tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76099228167747007502015-02-23T14:48:59.597-08:00Sole SistersCarissa @ Sole Sisters Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809725240498822356noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-24489167626451263692015-02-09T18:40:00.000-08:002015-02-09T18:40:54.387-08:00Ride, Row, Run : A New Racing Adventure in Maupin Oregon!By Tanya<br /><br />As you learned from my last year of posting, I have developed a passion for exercise in the water. Whether it is&nbsp;<a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2014/07/2014-summer-of-adventure.html" target="_blank">swimming in the pool for fitness</a>,&nbsp;or in the open water&nbsp;for <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2014/08/we-trid-it-and-we-liked-it-midsummer.html" target="_blank">my first triathlon</a>, <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2014/03/back-on-track-and-riding-big-waves.html" target="_blank">riding the waves on a surf board</a>, or <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-mighty-willamette.html" target="_blank">rowing the rapids in my kayak</a>, I love the water!<br /><br />This has also become a family affair as all of my family has taken to the water this past year. In fact for the Fourth of July (which also happens to be my little brother's birthday) we brought a bunch of kayaks, rafts and inner tubes out to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lacamas_Lake" target="_blank">Lacamas Lake</a> for a BBQ and a day on the water.&nbsp;It has become a great bonding activity we all enjoy.&nbsp;In fact my&nbsp;mom, who struggles with chronic pain from Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia, found that kayaking was a form of exercise she&nbsp;could really enjoy.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLfI8n7B1Go/VNgjUfrFksI/AAAAAAAAATw/RsrERwb_bJM/s1600/20140704_143039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLfI8n7B1Go/VNgjUfrFksI/AAAAAAAAATw/RsrERwb_bJM/s1600/20140704_143039.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />Family 4th of July on the water</td></tr></tbody></table>A couple of years ago I went on a river rafting trip on the Deschutes river in Maupin Oregon, with some women from my church and it was AMAZING! Not only did we ride some sweet rapids but I also got to go body surfing through them, as well as jump from a&nbsp;twenty foot cliff into the river! <br /><br />While I was in Maupin I learned about a race that <a href="http://www.xdogevents.com/" target="_blank">X-DOG Events</a> hosts every September&nbsp;called the <a href="http://www.xdogevents.com/riderowrun.html" target="_blank">RIDE-ROW-RUN</a>&nbsp;(R-R-R). In the R-R-R individuals or teams of two to five people start in a Grand Prix race running one mile downhill to their bikes. One team member jumps on his or her bike and rides a 26 mile loop along the river and back.<br /><br />In the second portion, one (or up to all five) team member(s) hustles into a kayak or raft and row/paddles three miles downstream on the Deschutes River. If you don't own a kayak or a raft, you can rent one for a small fee. <br /><br />Finally, all teammates scramble out of the raft and one team member runs four miles along the river bank while the others get shuttled back to the start/finish area. Once the runner&nbsp;comes&nbsp;into the finisher chute the entire team reunites to enjoy a finisher party.<br /><br />The moment&nbsp;I heard about this event I knew I would have to try it. This seemed to be the perfect marriage of my training for a triathlon as well as my love for kayaking! When I mentioned my intentions to my family and the possibility of participating together as a team, they were enthusiastically in. Even better, the event was going to be held on my mom's birthday. &nbsp;It was a done deal!<br /><br />I went online and registered our team of five: me, my mom, my husband, and my two sons. I knew my ten-year-old son could handle the race, but I was a little concerned about whether or not my four-year-old son would be allowed to join us. I emailed Kevin, the race director at X-DOG, with my concern. &nbsp;He was very prompt in his reply and thought it was a great idea.<br /><br />Since Maupin is a good two-and-a-half hour drive away and the race started pretty early in the morning we decided to get a room at the <a href="http://www.deschutesriver.com/" target="_blank">The Imperial Hotel</a>&nbsp;where the race started and finished. Once we arrived we discovered that X-DOG teams up with the Maupin Area Chamber of Commerce to host a fun family party the night before the race. &nbsp;Complete with river raft tours, music, tricycle races, a scavenger hunt, and&nbsp;piñatas&nbsp;for the kids, there was something for everyone. &nbsp;My whole family was stoked.<br /><br />The town of Maupin itself is very small, quaint and low key, and all of the events took on the same feel. People were really friendly and laid back. &nbsp;We felt like a part of the community from the start! We picked up our race packets and enjoyed the festivities. &nbsp;My family even won the scavenger hunt through town! <br /><br />The&nbsp;Imperial Hotel was just as quaint &nbsp;as the town and an extension of the community. The staff was laid back and friendly, making us feel like part of&nbsp;the family. There was even a big outdoor fire pit where many of the hotel guests hung out together the night before the race enjoying beverages and each other's company.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9XgXLLlnnJc/VNgiqJtbBiI/AAAAAAAAATg/dVr4wvQ4a9Y/s1600/20140920_162434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9XgXLLlnnJc/VNgiqJtbBiI/AAAAAAAAATg/dVr4wvQ4a9Y/s1600/20140920_162434.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My family outside our room the morning of the race</td></tr></tbody></table>On race morning the race director Kevin kept things moving steadily along with his calm and laid back demeanor. Once we had all of our questions answered and our gear all in position we were ready to go.<br /><br />First my husband and my ten-year-old son headed up to the park to begin the race with the one mile downhill dash.&nbsp;This was the&nbsp;perfect&nbsp;part of the race for a child to complete to be a part of the team. I&nbsp;even think my four-year-old&nbsp;could have done it!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dhGSni33GzI/VNgi7bKcBnI/AAAAAAAAATo/pmHbfldywKo/s1600/20140921_084533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dhGSni33GzI/VNgi7bKcBnI/AAAAAAAAATo/pmHbfldywKo/s1600/20140921_084533.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 10-year-old before his one mile dash</td></tr></tbody></table>Once they came speeding back down to the hotel, my son passed the racing bib to me and I jumped onto my bike for the 26 mile bike ride. The first half of the ride was a beautiful ride up and down rolling&nbsp;hills passing by fields and farm lands. The second half of the race turned and followed the roaring river back to the hotel. This race is so laid back that there was a <i>Temptation Station</i> at the halfway point offering participants a chance to rest and even partake in some adult beverages mid-ride! Since I was on a family team, I kept on going. The ride was&nbsp;a little on the challenging side, but I was well prepared from competing in the Olympic Triathlon six weeks before, so I really enjoyed it even without the stop. <br /><br />I arrived back at the hotel to my awaiting family. All five of us climbed into our raft and set out on the Deschutes River. This part was so fun! My youngest son climbed onto the front of the raft and my husband&nbsp;and I paddled our way, intentionally spinning 360's downsteam. My older son engaged in some major water gun warfare with passing rafts and my mom happily snapped pictures while attempting not to get the camera or herself drenched by falling overboard!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hCC6tOt6QHo/VNgh9xH4OrI/AAAAAAAAATY/jRAcXKJ5rPU/s1600/IMG_17453818640604.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hCC6tOt6QHo/VNgh9xH4OrI/AAAAAAAAATY/jRAcXKJ5rPU/s1600/IMG_17453818640604.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us&nbsp;at the start of the&nbsp;"Row"</td></tr></tbody></table>We arrived safely - soaked and happy - at the take out&nbsp;point. My husband scrambled out of the boat with our race bib and set off up the road to run the final four miles back to the hotel. The rest of the family put our boat into a trailer and were shuttled back to the hotel. We even got to cheer on the runners as we passed by them on the road.<br /><br />Back at the hotel we changed just in time to watch my husband run into the finish. The rest of the day we all enjoyed a BBQ lunch, award ceremony, and time spent hanging out by the river. We even all got an X-DOG Ride, Row, Run dog tag necklace as our finisher medal!<br /><br />The R-R-R is not your typical race or relay. &nbsp;Most people are in it for the experience and adventure and don't care about their finishing times. For my family the race was as promised: a wonderful adventure and an amazing experience!<br /><br />I typically only compete in the same race one time because I would rather spend my racing money on a new adventure the next year. However,&nbsp;my family had such a good time that they are asking to do the Ride, Row, Run&nbsp;again.<br /><br />Overall it really was a great value for the wonderful experience we had and with so many ways to mix up the racers in a team relay, I'm sure we can have a new adventure every year.<br /><br />Thanks Kevin at X-DOG and the city of Maupin for such a wonderful event. We will see you again in September!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Tanya Corkumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127178808503246347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-61601844376673984232015-01-31T21:20:00.004-08:002015-01-31T21:20:35.702-08:00Vancouver Lake Half Marathon - A New PR Thanks to Negative Splitsby Jodi<br /><br />On January 25th I got to run the Vancouver Lake half marathon with not one, not two, but with FOUR of my friends. &nbsp;How fun is that? &nbsp;Dawn, Ruth, Natasha, and I all enjoyed carpooling to the race, meeting up with Hillary at the start, and sharing the race experience together both on the course and the ride home.<br /><br />I had no expectations going into this race. Ruth forwarded the <a href="http://clarkcountyrunningclub.org/event/vancouver-lake-half-marathon/">Vancouver Lake Half Marathon </a>registration link to a crew of other Newberg runners in mid-November. &nbsp;Her email promised a fun, fast, and flat race and warned that it sold out quickly. &nbsp;Since it was cheap and close, I signed up the same day then promptly forgot about it.<br /><br />I ran a lot in December. &nbsp;138 miles to be exact, but most of these miles were slower miles with friends. In early January I remembered the Vancouver Lake half marathon and checked my <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2014/01/run-less-run-faster.html">Run Less Run Faster (RLRF) </a>training plan to see what I was supposed to be running if I had been "officially" training for the race. &nbsp;I did two long runs at the prescribed pace and distance, managed one tempo run, and completely avoided the track. &nbsp;Based on my unfocused training, I thought I might be able to run around a 1:40 finish time.<br /><br />Two days before the race, I drove to Cottage Grove and did an <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2015/01/brice-creek-trail-running-with-friends.html?spref=fb">8 mile trail run with Raina</a>. &nbsp;We called it "<i>trail tapering,</i>" and I'm pretty sure it's not recommended in training plans two days before a race.<br /><br />The day before the race I had a blonde moment and suggested to my husband that we take the family to the beach the next day since it was supposed to be foggy in Newberg. &nbsp;He looked at me and asked, "<i>Ummm... don't you &nbsp;have a race?</i>" &nbsp;RIGHT! &nbsp;Yes. &nbsp;Yes I do.<br /><br />Race morning dawned and my stomach was upset. &nbsp;This is not uncommon for me on race mornings, but it persisted longer than usual and I approached the start feeling depleted and void of my normal race day energy.<br /><br />Ruth, Dawn, Natasha, Hillary and I took the obligatory pre-race selfie at the start. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJ7T30KIb48/VM2vxPjEXVI/AAAAAAAAD40/Wpaq4JSKR0M/s1600/IMG_1053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJ7T30KIb48/VM2vxPjEXVI/AAAAAAAAD40/Wpaq4JSKR0M/s1600/IMG_1053.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SELFIE! &nbsp;Note the customized bibs. &nbsp;Dawn was super pumped about having her name on a bib.</td></tr></tbody></table>When the gun went off we fell into groups. &nbsp;Hillary was ahead of us the entire time - racing herself to a new half marathon PR and a 9th place overall finish with a 1:33:16 finish time! &nbsp;Since this race had quite a few out-and-back portions we got to see her gracefully and beautifully tearing up the course. &nbsp;Hillary makes running look easy and beautiful. &nbsp;I'm not sure if she even sweats. &nbsp;You go Girl!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cjI0bjKKs0g/VM2w0t1aYxI/AAAAAAAAD48/KU1CNS-59m0/s1600/1891503_10204494166566896_1749386550029305729_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cjI0bjKKs0g/VM2w0t1aYxI/AAAAAAAAD48/KU1CNS-59m0/s1600/1891503_10204494166566896_1749386550029305729_o.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at her go. &nbsp;Photo credits to Mike McKinney&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table>Dawn and I were the next group, with Ruth and Natasha a few minutes behind us. &nbsp;Dawn is a much faster runner than I am, but she was in the same boat as I was. &nbsp;She hadn't trained specifically for this race and had no idea what to expect from her body. &nbsp;We agreed to start off slow and increase our pace around mile nine if we felt we could tolerate it.<br /><br />The first mile felt long and slow - not a good indication. &nbsp;I checked my watch three times before it beeped the first mile. &nbsp;Dawn and I were eerily consistent with our pace. The miles clicked by: 7:33, 7:33, 7:34, and 7:30 for the first four miles. &nbsp;When we passed Natasha and Ruth on the first out-and-back they told us we were in 22nd and 23rd place for the women. &nbsp;It gave us something to think about as we ran toward the half-way point and another turnaround.<br /><br />We were running through a beautiful area but couldn't see any of it because the fog was so thick. &nbsp;I was keeping the pace, but couldn't find my running mojo. &nbsp;The first six miles of this race felt like a long, hard training run. I told Dawn around mile three, "<i>This is definitely not a PR kind of day for me. &nbsp;I'll be lucky to break 1:40.</i>"<br />&nbsp;<br />Dawn ignored me and increased our speed for miles five and six: 7:24, 7:27. &nbsp;My first thought was, "<i>I can't run this pace. &nbsp;There's way too much race ahead and I'm not mentally in this. &nbsp;I'm tired and this is hard. &nbsp;I don't want to suffer.</i>"<br /><br />But as soon as that thought ran through my brain a question followed.<br /><br /><b><i>"Why not?"</i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b>My legs weren't tired, just heavy. &nbsp;My lungs were tolerating the pace well since there were no hills. &nbsp;There was no physical reason why I couldn't run a faster pace. <br /><br />Then the Holy Spirit gave me a little nudge with this reminder,&nbsp;<i>"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."</i>&nbsp;(from Paul's letter to the church at Philippi)<br /><br />I thought of my non-biological brother Jon who is in the process of kicking cancer's butt. &nbsp;He's a runner, but isn't strong enough yet to start racing again. &nbsp;But I can. <br /><br />So I did.<br /><br />Every couple of miles, Dawn increased our speed. &nbsp;Each time we stepped it up a notch, I went through the same mental battle. <i>&nbsp;"I can't do this. &nbsp;Why not? &nbsp;Just run. &nbsp;You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength. &nbsp;Do it for Jon." &nbsp;</i>Then repeat.<br /><br />Miles seven and eight were 7:11 and 7:10. &nbsp;I had finally found my Zone. &nbsp;I was ALL IN this race.<br /><br />And then Dawn dropped the hammer. &nbsp;Mile nine was a sub-seven. &nbsp;When my watched beeped 6:59, I freaked out. &nbsp;I NEVER run that fast, especially not with four miles left to run in a race. &nbsp;So we slowed down. &nbsp;By three seconds per mile.<br /><br />I told Dawn to go ahead and leave me in the dust, but she <strike>lied</strike>&nbsp;promised&nbsp;she was happy with our pace. &nbsp;Dawn stuck with me and we ran at the edge of my ability, as fast as I could without wheezing. <br /><br />Mile ten and eleven clocked in at 7:02 and 7:04. &nbsp;I happened to notice that our average pace per mile had dropped down to 7:18's and I told Dawn, "<i>Oh my gosh. &nbsp;I might PR. &nbsp;The pace we're running will give me a PR if we hold it to the end."</i><br /><i><br /></i>With each mile we caught up to and passed more women. &nbsp;We saw Ruth and Natasha at the last out-and-back and Natasha hollered,&nbsp;<i>"Pick it up. &nbsp;They're right in front of you."</i>&nbsp;<br /><br />My body said,&nbsp;<i>"NO WAY!"</i>&nbsp;but my mind said,&nbsp;<i>"Why not?" &nbsp;</i>&nbsp;So we did.<br /><br />Mile 12 we slowed to a 7:14 but still managed to pick off the three women Natasha was referring to.<br /><br />With one mile left in the race, Dawn's legs were tiring and my lungs were burning. &nbsp;It was harder and harder to keep our pace. &nbsp;We grunted to each other, <i>"We've got this. &nbsp;We can do it. &nbsp;Almost there."</i><br /><br />I thought about Jon. &nbsp;About how my body was doing what my mind told it to do. &nbsp;About the PR that was dangling in front of me. &nbsp;About the fact that God was enabling me to run much faster than I thought possible.<br /><br />It was a LONG mile, but we ran it at a 7:09 pace. This photo from the race photographer captures how we really felt at that point. We even managed to pick off the lady in orange before the finish.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLiI1Jku7Lw/VM2x__oyATI/AAAAAAAAD5I/cvRl4OCUn6k/s1600/10922852_10204494276009632_8701539961876822325_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLiI1Jku7Lw/VM2x__oyATI/AAAAAAAAD5I/cvRl4OCUn6k/s1600/10922852_10204494276009632_8701539961876822325_o.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.1 to go. &nbsp;Photo credits to Mike McKinney</td></tr></tbody></table>With the finish line in sight, we looked at each other and I said, "<i>C'mon Dawn. </i>&nbsp;<i>Let's do this." &nbsp;</i>Hillary cheered us in as we sprinted through the finish. Dawn's official time of 1:36:09 put her in 1st place for our age division and 13th overall. &nbsp;My official finish time of 1:36:11 gave me a new personal record by thirteen seconds, 2nd in our age division, and 14th overall. &nbsp;I'll take it. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cdnTVBwdRRM/VM2y4sOAkxI/AAAAAAAAD5U/T7ggmKWkpLM/s1600/IMG_1042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cdnTVBwdRRM/VM2y4sOAkxI/AAAAAAAAD5U/T7ggmKWkpLM/s1600/IMG_1042.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks Hillary for cheering us into the finish!&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table>Ruth and Natasha ran well too, finishing under 1:45. &nbsp;When the final race results were in, all of us won a beer mug for placing in our age divisions. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eqy_TzNsdoM/VM2y4lHEtmI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/fVwsDUdMB2M/s1600/IMG_1050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eqy_TzNsdoM/VM2y4lHEtmI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/fVwsDUdMB2M/s1600/IMG_1050.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruth, Natasha, Dawn, and me</td></tr></tbody></table>So many things about this race were unexpected blessings. &nbsp;Running the entire race with Dawn when neither of us planned to do that was cool. &nbsp;Because the course was so odd, we got to pass and cheer for our friends three different times. Running another race with negative splits was oh-so satisfying. I was able to manage my breathing/wheezing during the race. &nbsp;Post-race recovery was a bit sketchy for the first five minutes, but once I was breathing normally again I was fine. &nbsp;I can still run and I view that as a giant gift from God.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w4e2-YZssiU/VM2y4XuDrDI/AAAAAAAAD5Q/swiZpgCc1s8/s1600/IMG_1046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w4e2-YZssiU/VM2y4XuDrDI/AAAAAAAAD5Q/swiZpgCc1s8/s1600/IMG_1046.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawn and I have logged a lot of miles together in the past nine months.</td></tr></tbody></table>I give Dawn all the credit for pacing us. &nbsp;She has been running for years and is a wealth of knowledge. It was so fun to pound the pavement with her in a race setting and glean from her experience.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D-mNrXI8rt8/VM23bj-5wmI/AAAAAAAAD5s/MKh0UXHWxPw/s1600/IMG_1051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D-mNrXI8rt8/VM23bj-5wmI/AAAAAAAAD5s/MKh0UXHWxPw/s1600/IMG_1051.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My race by the splits. &nbsp;Taken from my exercise journal.</td></tr></tbody></table>Vancouver Lake half marathon solidified in my mind that negative splits are the way to go EVERY.SINGLE.TIME! &nbsp;I told myself I wouldn't run a spring marathon this year, but now that I have my Running Mojo back, I'm researching my options. &nbsp;Oh runners... &nbsp;We're a crazy breed.<br /><br /><b>What about you Sole Sisters. &nbsp;Have you run negative splits? &nbsp;Gone out too fast? &nbsp;Do you think it made a difference in your finish time or the way you felt about the race? &nbsp;We'd love to hear your stories.</b>Jodi Stilphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04329375455810397582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-75771648644324093512015-01-23T20:11:00.000-08:002015-02-03T07:11:46.156-08:00Brice Creek - Trail Running with Friendsby Jodi<br /><br />I first heard of Raina after I ran the <a href="http://jodistilp.blogspot.com/2012/04/my-weakness-his-strength.html">Eugene Marathon with Carissa</a> in April 2012. &nbsp;She was a blogger. &nbsp;A fast runner. &nbsp;A mother. &nbsp;A wife. &nbsp;A follower of Jesus. &nbsp;And she had quite an online presence and following. &nbsp;Raina also ran Eugene that year so we exchanged a few emails about the marathon then swapped blog addresses and started reading each other's blogs. &nbsp;A virtual friendship developed between us. &nbsp;When one of us raced, we cheered each other on offering encouragement via email or blog comments. &nbsp;We talked about meeting in person, but never followed through because she lives in the country outside of Cottage Grove - a good 2+ hours from my home in Newberg. &nbsp;Our friendship grew over the last 2.5 years.<br /><br />At the end of December, my brother Shane (who was visiting from Montana) and I drove down to Eugene to run to the summit of Mt. Pisgah. &nbsp;We were down and back in a handful of hours. &nbsp;Our excursion reminded me that Eugene really is not that far from my house. &nbsp;I emailed Raina and we set up a date to finally meet in person.<br /><br />Today was our day. &nbsp;We met in Cottage Grove and then drove together to the Brice Creek trailhead in the Umpqua National Forest outside of Cottage Grove. &nbsp;The weather was warm for a January day, topping out in the mid 50's. &nbsp;We ran in short sleeves and were comfortable. &nbsp;The single track trail through the mossy, lush, green old-growth forest paralleled Brice Creek. &nbsp;It was so lovely!<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ylhrwuPL_tk/VMMY7SOB8WI/AAAAAAAADzc/1oZnrhaFxUs/s1600/Brice%2BCreek%2BTrail%2Bwith%2BRaina-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ylhrwuPL_tk/VMMY7SOB8WI/AAAAAAAADzc/1oZnrhaFxUs/s1600/Brice%2BCreek%2BTrail%2Bwith%2BRaina-3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie before we got too sweaty</td></tr></tbody></table>At times we ran just above the creek. &nbsp;Others we climbed up into the forest only to emerge on bluffs way above the creek below. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zXXxyfY2M5o/VMMZMPxiQyI/AAAAAAAADzk/NwoTM6fzQBg/s1600/Brice%2BCreek%2BTrail%2Bwith%2BRaina-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zXXxyfY2M5o/VMMZMPxiQyI/AAAAAAAADzk/NwoTM6fzQBg/s1600/Brice%2BCreek%2BTrail%2Bwith%2BRaina-6.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the bluff 300 feet above the creek</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The water was so pure and clean-looking, giving us a view of the creek bottom below. &nbsp;Private swimming holes were all over this creek. &nbsp;I can't wait to come back in the summer and run this trail on a hot day.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZvJg-Em3-E/VMMZbvNMUiI/AAAAAAAADzw/CSXq_fa2mxM/s1600/Brice%2BCreek%2BTrail%2Bwith%2BRaina-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZvJg-Em3-E/VMMZbvNMUiI/AAAAAAAADzw/CSXq_fa2mxM/s1600/Brice%2BCreek%2BTrail%2Bwith%2BRaina-8.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sxVXmv6Asts/VMMZdFEftjI/AAAAAAAADz8/eX5GmJl8fks/s1600/Brice%2BCreek%2BTrail%2Bwith%2BRaina-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sxVXmv6Asts/VMMZdFEftjI/AAAAAAAADz8/eX5GmJl8fks/s1600/Brice%2BCreek%2BTrail%2Bwith%2BRaina-9.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the trail was on the bridge above the water</td></tr></tbody></table>In one section of the trail a GIANT tree had uprooted and crashed across a ravine, the trunk blocking the trail on one side and the massive, uprooted root ball creating a gaping hole we had to climb up and over on the other side. &nbsp;It was pretty cool.<br /><br />A small, beautiful waterfall was the gem of the portion of the trail we ran. &nbsp;It was so inviting that even on a winter day we picked our way down to the shore and across the rocks to stand and look over the edge. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H1nvu3wWBZw/VMMZbYPc69I/AAAAAAAADzs/tFl05aZFEzA/s1600/Brice%2BCreek%2BTrail%2Bwith%2BRaina-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H1nvu3wWBZw/VMMZbYPc69I/AAAAAAAADzs/tFl05aZFEzA/s1600/Brice%2BCreek%2BTrail%2Bwith%2BRaina-7.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hAau7Lt7fNI/VMMaLTOq2SI/AAAAAAAAD0I/HEPMmi2FcAA/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hAau7Lt7fNI/VMMaLTOq2SI/AAAAAAAAD0I/HEPMmi2FcAA/s1600/image.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me on the edge of the waterfall</td></tr></tbody></table>A bigger waterfall - Trestle Creek Falls - is accessible off the Brice Creek Trail too, but we didn't have enough time to add in the additional three mile loop to see the waterfall. &nbsp;We'll have to do that on another trip.<br /><br />For the most part this trail was easily navigable, with the fallen tree being the biggest obstacle. &nbsp;There was one portion just up from the waterfall that also required careful footing to get through a rocky, angled portion of the trail. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4l5jI9pR50E/VMMacRuTC7I/AAAAAAAAD0Q/uvHpXTwOO1U/s1600/Brice%2BCreek%2BTrail%2Bwith%2BRaina-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4l5jI9pR50E/VMMacRuTC7I/AAAAAAAAD0Q/uvHpXTwOO1U/s1600/Brice%2BCreek%2BTrail%2Bwith%2BRaina-11.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qRSi7uzh9HY/VMMacX5xuLI/AAAAAAAAD0U/1jzoU2uQmQ8/s1600/Brice%2BCreek%2BTrail%2Bwith%2BRaina-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qRSi7uzh9HY/VMMacX5xuLI/AAAAAAAAD0U/1jzoU2uQmQ8/s1600/Brice%2BCreek%2BTrail%2Bwith%2BRaina-12.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This section required a little balancing and careful footing</td></tr></tbody></table>But it still is a single track trail with rocks and roots waiting to trip you up if you dare to take your eyes off the trail for more than a second. &nbsp;TWICE I tripped and fell, catching myself just inches before my face hit the dirt. &nbsp;So be warned and run slowly and carefully.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mgalo3nZop8/VMMa--MivhI/AAAAAAAAD0w/oofpgw-rhwc/s1600/Brice%2BCreek%2BTrail%2Bwith%2BRaina-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mgalo3nZop8/VMMa--MivhI/AAAAAAAAD0w/oofpgw-rhwc/s1600/Brice%2BCreek%2BTrail%2Bwith%2BRaina-2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br />Raina and I ran the trail out four miles, then crossed the trail on a bridge to the paved road we drove in on. &nbsp;We ran the road back to our car at a faster pace because we had to get home to our kiddos. &nbsp;Overall we ran 8 miles. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-27yooKn2xf4/VMMarrnWAYI/AAAAAAAAD0g/FHMzV0CG1NU/s1600/Brice%2BCreek%2BTrail%2Bwith%2BRaina-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-27yooKn2xf4/VMMarrnWAYI/AAAAAAAAD0g/FHMzV0CG1NU/s1600/Brice%2BCreek%2BTrail%2Bwith%2BRaina-1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trailhead where we parked.</td></tr></tbody></table>The Brice Creek trail was definitely worth the drive. &nbsp;It was so fun to run a trail I normally would hike and to do it with a new-old friend. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7d-6B-GduzY/VMMarnhEHvI/AAAAAAAAD0s/ChJqxKl-lks/s1600/Brice%2BCreek%2BTrail%2Bwith%2BRaina-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7d-6B-GduzY/VMMarnhEHvI/AAAAAAAAD0s/ChJqxKl-lks/s1600/Brice%2BCreek%2BTrail%2Bwith%2BRaina-13.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't she cute? &nbsp;She still looks 20!</td></tr></tbody></table>Thank you Raina for giving up your day to tour me around the trail system that you know and love. &nbsp;I so enjoyed our day together and look forward to many more in the future.<br /><br /><br />Jodi Stilphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04329375455810397582noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-5705775853196130282014-12-07T21:19:00.001-08:002015-02-03T07:11:54.892-08:00The Mighty Willamette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>By Tanya<br /><br />Growing up in Portland Oregon, I have always had a fondness for our beautiful bridges that span across the Willamette River connecting the east side of town to the west. As a child I lived closest to and would often cross the Ross Island Bridge. &nbsp;Named for it's proximity to Ross Island, the largest of four small islands in the Willamette River just south of downtown Portland, it holds a special place in my heart.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTf_uz8kWhU/VIUy4qyix7I/AAAAAAAAATA/T8w6Vb7aIDs/s1600/.facebook_895461920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTf_uz8kWhU/VIUy4qyix7I/AAAAAAAAATA/T8w6Vb7aIDs/s1600/.facebook_895461920.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of downtown Portland and Willamette from the east side</td></tr></tbody></table>As we drove across the bridge I would often dream about what it would be like on the island, never really giving thought about how I would get out there. When I was a child the Willamette River had a bad reputation for being polluted. &nbsp;The majority of Ross Island was owned by the Ross Island Sand and Gravel Company&nbsp;who&nbsp;used it as a quarry, so people were seldom in the water nearby.<br /><br />Fast forward to 2014. &nbsp;I still love Portland. &nbsp;I still have a fondness for the bridges around the city and for Ross Island.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, now I get to spend&nbsp;my summers training for a triathlons by swimming&nbsp;in the Willamette River and taking my kids in our kayak out to search for magic pebbles on the beaches of Ross Island!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Yes, a lot has changed in the last 25 years.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ioiKz8wIwic/VHwVy9fwEeI/AAAAAAAAASM/eBeEPFrtlHU/s1600/2011-07-31%2B11.03.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ioiKz8wIwic/VHwVy9fwEeI/AAAAAAAAASM/eBeEPFrtlHU/s1600/2011-07-31%2B11.03.11.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son and I&nbsp;on Ross Island with the Ross Island Bridge in the background</td></tr></tbody></table>In 1996 an organization called the <a href="http://www.willamette-riverkeeper.org/WRK/about.html" target="_blank">Willamette River Keeper</a> sprang up and began cleaning and caring for our beloved river. In 2007 Ross Island Sand and Gravel Company cleaned up a huge portion of the island and&nbsp;donated the land to the city of Portland. &nbsp;The city, in turn, began using it as a natural area refuge.<span style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ut0w2a4T6qE/VHwTezS0WpI/AAAAAAAAASA/2MRJ8V1wupU/s1600/IMAG2084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ut0w2a4T6qE/VHwTezS0WpI/AAAAAAAAASA/2MRJ8V1wupU/s1600/IMAG2084.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picking out magic pebbles on Ross Island&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table>In 2009&nbsp;Willamette River Keeper&nbsp;teamed up with <a href="http://www.welovecleanrivers.org/" target="_blank">We Love Clean Rivers</a> to&nbsp;organize the <a href="http://www.welovecleanrivers.org/the-great-willamette-clean-up-oct/" target="_blank">Great Willamette Clean Up</a>, a once yearly event where volunteers team up to&nbsp;clean&nbsp;out trash&nbsp;on 187 miles&nbsp;of the river.&nbsp;Because of all of the cleaning and restoration that occurred the Willamette was finally deemed safe for swimming. To get the word out <a href="http://www.thebigfloat.com/" target="_blank">The Big Float</a> was created. The Big Float is a yearly event where people don any flotation device they desire and float in a parade across the river and into the downtown waterfront park to have "the biggest beach party in Portland!"<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RiV0Hfqo6Cg/VHwWx0PB-YI/AAAAAAAAASg/dr4H4du8Y3E/s1600/359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RiV0Hfqo6Cg/VHwWx0PB-YI/AAAAAAAAASg/dr4H4du8Y3E/s1600/359.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Big Float</td></tr></tbody></table>In 2009&nbsp;for my husband's birthday I purchased a us guided&nbsp;kayak tour on the&nbsp;Willamette River around Ross Island through&nbsp;<a href="http://aldercreek.com/ross-island-tour/" target="_blank">Alder Creek</a>&nbsp;tours. &nbsp;My love for the river was ignited! In 2010 I caught word of The Great Willamette Clean Up, &nbsp;My husband and I borrowed a friend's kayak and took our six-year-old son out to help clean the river. That same year we participated in the Big Float and purchased our own kayak. Since&nbsp;then we&nbsp;have made a yearly tradition of participating in both events as well as&nbsp;kayaking with&nbsp;our two sons out to Ross Island and exploring other rivers in the summer.<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Tc1q80p8nE/VHwWwF_YDTI/AAAAAAAAASY/SBsf9ISyVcE/s1600/361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Tc1q80p8nE/VHwWwF_YDTI/AAAAAAAAASY/SBsf9ISyVcE/s1600/361.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Big Float</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8u_BEhbraHc/VHwRAt9PPWI/AAAAAAAAARs/YqRVt0bTWB8/s1600/IMAG0972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8u_BEhbraHc/VHwRAt9PPWI/AAAAAAAAARs/YqRVt0bTWB8/s1600/IMAG0972.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My family participating in The Great Willamette Clean Up</td></tr></tbody></table>A couple of years ago we took our boys on a guided jet boat ride&nbsp;through <a href="http://willamettejet.com/index.php" target="_blank">Willamette Jet Boat Excursions</a>. &nbsp;The tour took us out to see Willamette Falls and the locks, a place on the river I had never been. It was an amazing tour where we leaned about the history of the Willamette River and got an&nbsp;up close look at the falls and locks. &nbsp;We also had a blast as the jet boat took us on a wild ride, spinning us through the river and getting us soaked from&nbsp;head to toe!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBGK3I_We2k/VHwQ9zs41JI/AAAAAAAAARc/zVNuA1lpwVo/s1600/IMAG0974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBGK3I_We2k/VHwQ9zs41JI/AAAAAAAAARc/zVNuA1lpwVo/s1600/IMAG0974.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Jet Boat tour pre-soaking!</td></tr></tbody></table>The&nbsp;Willamette still needs more love and care, but these days you see many people out enjoying our river. It brings me such joy to be able to share these experiences with my boys and know that they will have great memories of being on the river. &nbsp;I hope they take pride and ownership of keeping the Willamette River clean and cared for.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8HrAkyy8nkA/VHwRUAdd1mI/AAAAAAAAAR0/r1Xrfn7dks8/s1600/IMG_20130629_165148_456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8HrAkyy8nkA/VHwRUAdd1mI/AAAAAAAAAR0/r1Xrfn7dks8/s1600/IMG_20130629_165148_456.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div><br />The Willamette River is truly a treasure. It runs like an artery through Portland bringing beauty and nature into the heart of our&nbsp;city. It also is what brought industry to our town&nbsp;making the amazing city of Portland what it is today.<br /><br />Whether you choose to kayak, stand up paddle, water ski, or even swim, being on the river&nbsp;is a wonderful way to add to your fitness, enjoy nature, and spend quality time with family and friends. <br /><br /><br />If you live in Portland or get a chance to visit,&nbsp;I hope you&nbsp;take the time&nbsp;to enjoy this wonderful resource.&nbsp;May our mighty Willamette continue to be well loved and cared for so it can be enjoyed for many generations to come. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W-coNWclQ8E/VH6j4NtkmpI/AAAAAAAAASw/xQFVtzFOAgY/s1600/IMAG2259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W-coNWclQ8E/VH6j4NtkmpI/AAAAAAAAASw/xQFVtzFOAgY/s1600/IMAG2259.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Tanya Corkumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127178808503246347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-73878469645580365322014-12-02T09:56:00.001-08:002014-12-08T14:05:03.719-08:00Portland's Mustache Dache - Dragging Out the Birthday Celebrationby Jodi<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V_5goYUg28Q/VH36i7l8YOI/AAAAAAAADgM/eXazXGXNAdc/s1600/IMG_0497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V_5goYUg28Q/VH36i7l8YOI/AAAAAAAADgM/eXazXGXNAdc/s1600/IMG_0497.JPG" height="330" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-race celebration</td></tr></tbody></table>My 40th birthday party spanned an entire week culminating with Portland's second annual <a href="http://mustachedache.com/portland/">Mustache Dache 5k race</a> on Saturday, November 15th. The Mustache Dache is "<i>a slightly irreverent 5k</i>" geared toward helping "<i>Movember, the global men's health charity, combat prostate and testicular cancer."</i><br /><br />Last year a big group of my friends from Newberg formed the Femmestache Fatales team and participated in the <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2013/11/portlands-inaugural-running-of-mustache.html">inaugural running</a> of this race. &nbsp;It was so fun we decided to do it again. &nbsp;We ended up with a team of about twenty ladies willing to don a fake mustache and brave this super hilly course. <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kbPFVm2pBgw/VH36y94WSzI/AAAAAAAADgU/BiyhGwQ0d-k/s1600/IMG_0498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kbPFVm2pBgw/VH36y94WSzI/AAAAAAAADgU/BiyhGwQ0d-k/s1600/IMG_0498.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some good looking dudes: Jenny, Lauren, Sarah and Sarai.</td></tr></tbody></table>The morning of the race was cold, especially for Portland. &nbsp;Temps were in the high 20's with frequent, icy wind gusts, but the sky was blue and the sun was shining. &nbsp;Such a gift for the Willamette Valley where gray and rain characterize most fall days. The Femmestache Fatales picked up our packets, pasted on our mustaches, posed for pictures at the photo booth, and shivered our way to the starting line. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jKiFIt82HOA/VH36ywNDTCI/AAAAAAAADgY/9cTC_a3dWHg/s1600/IMG_0500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jKiFIt82HOA/VH36ywNDTCI/AAAAAAAADgY/9cTC_a3dWHg/s1600/IMG_0500.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">really bright sunshine. &nbsp;really cold day. &nbsp;With my Sarai - one of The Bigs.</td></tr></tbody></table>Portland is a hilly place. &nbsp;Most of us who run frequently train on hills out of necessity. &nbsp;The Mustache Dache course is hard-core hilly, even for experienced runners. &nbsp;The course takes runners out of Big Al's parking lot and right into the Beaverton hills. &nbsp;For the next 1.5 miles (give or take) athletes gain 504 vertical feet, all of it on steep hills that roll up and down in the beginning and then just go straight up in the middle portion. &nbsp;A race review from last year labeled these hills a Category 4 (out of 5) climb. Once runners reach the summit, it's straight down the other side. &nbsp;The descent is as steep as the climb and can really take a toll on the quads and knees. &nbsp;Throw in a few sharp corners and some icy patches and this is not a race you run to set a PR. <br /><br />I was pleased with how I ran. &nbsp;My breathing issues from this summer have continued into the fall so I'm using an inhaler on a trial basis before each run. &nbsp;Climbing hills triggers the wheezing and I suspected this course would be a big challenge for my lungs. &nbsp;I was right.<br /><br />Labored breathing/wheezing was an issue the entire race. &nbsp;I managed the first two climbs without walking, but had to walk twice briefly on the last two climbs because I literally couldn't breath. &nbsp;I was tempted to be frustrated since my legs felt great, but I was running this race for fun. &nbsp;Not breathing is not fun. &nbsp;It was a No Brainer decision.<br /><br />I was the third place woman when I stopped to walk the first time, and I got passed by the same woman who passed me on the climb last year. &nbsp;Clearly she rocks at climbing hills. &nbsp;When I walked the second time I got passed again, but was close enough to the summit that I figured I could catch her on the downhill and I did.<br /><br />I LOVE bombing a hill on the run or on a bike, so the downhill portion of this race was a ton of fun for me. &nbsp;I passed one woman and started gaining on the other, but she's a strong runner. &nbsp;When we hit the flat, short section at the bottom before the finish I knew she was too far ahead for me to catch her. <br /><br />I finished in fourth place overall for the women (23:08 - 7:27 pace) and shaved more than a minute off my time from last year. &nbsp;Now that I'm forty, I'm eligible to compete in the Masters Division at races. &nbsp;The Mustache Dache calls it "<i>Mid Life Crisis</i>" and I scored a free beer mug for finishing second in my age group. It was fun.<br /><br />SIDE NOTE: &nbsp;The woman who won this race was 58 years old and killed those hills with a 6:45 pace. &nbsp;How inspiring is that?<br /><br />I loved cheering my friends into the finish. &nbsp;A lot of these girls hate running and cold weather. &nbsp;Some of them were sick or sporting recent injuries, but they still came out to play. They killed a really hard course, some of them surprising themselves with their fitness level and ability to conquer big obstacles. &nbsp;Sarai - one of our Bigs - was planning to walk the course, but changed her mind and ran the entire way at a great pace. &nbsp;My friend Zora was supposed to run but had a work event trump her plans. &nbsp;She showed up - in her work clothes - just to play with us for a while.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YaewWPr_U8g/VH37OyQr0uI/AAAAAAAADhI/-CVgAjWs_O0/s1600/IMG_0496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YaewWPr_U8g/VH37OyQr0uI/AAAAAAAADhI/-CVgAjWs_O0/s1600/IMG_0496.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ZORA</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR_idVS2iE8/VH37L-qN6DI/AAAAAAAADgs/iYKne3qPaYc/s1600/IMG_0472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR_idVS2iE8/VH37L-qN6DI/AAAAAAAADgs/iYKne3qPaYc/s1600/IMG_0472.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SARAH</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mEbD9iR5qjQ/VH37L8CI6wI/AAAAAAAADgo/EDJKgtlFp-M/s1600/IMG_0473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mEbD9iR5qjQ/VH37L8CI6wI/AAAAAAAADgo/EDJKgtlFp-M/s1600/IMG_0473.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JULIE and JAMI</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FbcQO2nE09I/VH37L5XHXnI/AAAAAAAADgk/-DxLYhMyMYs/s1600/IMG_0475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FbcQO2nE09I/VH37L5XHXnI/AAAAAAAADgk/-DxLYhMyMYs/s1600/IMG_0475.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DIANA</td></tr></tbody></table>This is why I love running and racing. &nbsp;While there obviously is a winner of each race, everyone who participates wins in some way. &nbsp;<b>The satisfied feeling of accomplishment after a race lingers long after the race is over.</b> I'm so proud of my friends for how they tackled this tough course.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2KboC0c5QA/VH37PGKy5bI/AAAAAAAADhE/oSS1kXODMCM/s1600/IMG_0502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2KboC0c5QA/VH37PGKy5bI/AAAAAAAADhE/oSS1kXODMCM/s1600/IMG_0502.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SARAI - was going to walk, but ran the whole way instead? &nbsp;#superstar</td></tr></tbody></table>The post-race party was lots of fun. &nbsp;We ate yummy food, drank good beer, and scored some cool prizes. &nbsp;The photo booth was my favorite though. &nbsp;The booth operators printed out our group photo for each person in the group. &nbsp;Mine is hanging with my mustache medal and bib on my Running Wall of Fame. They are great reminders of a really fun morning.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tvITa8HjCWU/VH37PLdDHFI/AAAAAAAADhM/m-n_KhsqJAE/s1600/IMG_0499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tvITa8HjCWU/VH37PLdDHFI/AAAAAAAADhM/m-n_KhsqJAE/s1600/IMG_0499.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So blessed by these women.</td></tr></tbody></table>Thank you Friends for braving the cold to run this event with me. &nbsp;I celebrate our friendships and your mad running skills. &nbsp;Are you crazy enough to do it again next year?Jodi Stilphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04329375455810397582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-30256978669433184342014-11-28T21:05:00.000-08:002014-12-08T14:04:48.523-08:0040 Miles for 40 Years - Celebrating a New Decade with My Sole Sistersby Jodi<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVRtXMI36LY/VHlNfcioAHI/AAAAAAAADes/-SVFUADjOeY/s1600/40%2Bfor%2B40%2Bfriends-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVRtXMI36LY/VHlNfcioAHI/AAAAAAAADes/-SVFUADjOeY/s1600/40%2Bfor%2B40%2Bfriends-2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-run victory photo. &nbsp;Hillary, Tanya, Me, Carissa, and Devon</td></tr></tbody></table>On November 12th I left my thirties behind and stepped into my forties. &nbsp;I'm so excited to see what this new decade holds. &nbsp;To celebrate I asked my Sole Sisters to collaboratively run forty miles on my 40th birthday. &nbsp;They were happy to oblige.<br /><br />The morning of my birthday it was unseasonably cold (in the low 30's), crisp, clear, dry and sunny - my favorite kind of running weather! &nbsp;I was giddy with excitement to get out there and run.<br /><br />Carissa, Tanya, Devon, and Hillary all drove down from Portland to Newberg and we headed out to Champoeg State Park, a mere six miles from my house. &nbsp;I am so blessed to have this treasure practically in my backyard.<br /><a name='more'></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpP6DqfanVo/VHlTNCQdH0I/AAAAAAAADe8/6X5CPj6axsM/s1600/IMG_0437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpP6DqfanVo/VHlTNCQdH0I/AAAAAAAADe8/6X5CPj6axsM/s1600/IMG_0437.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-run Selfie</td></tr></tbody></table>I mapped out an eight mile loop for the five of us to run. &nbsp;Together - as Sole Sisters - we'd run forty miles. &nbsp;As soon as we entered the woods we were treated to the crunchiest bed of leaves. &nbsp;From my earliest memories, I have always loved crunching through piles of leaves in the fall. &nbsp;It just makes me happy. &nbsp;We stomped, crunched, and kicked our way down the trail. We may (or may not) have thrown a few leaves at each other too. &nbsp;Devon later hash tagged a photo from our run #leafstompingfordays &nbsp;It was so, so, SO TOTALLY fun.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p8ZBCEk2HNg/VHlTZrmaHII/AAAAAAAADfE/uy85mw1UUYI/s1600/IMG_0438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p8ZBCEk2HNg/VHlTZrmaHII/AAAAAAAADfE/uy85mw1UUYI/s1600/IMG_0438.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pYe3kQMdcf8/VHlTa_NtLoI/AAAAAAAADfQ/Fq5tmx9U9h0/s1600/IMG_0441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pYe3kQMdcf8/VHlTa_NtLoI/AAAAAAAADfQ/Fq5tmx9U9h0/s1600/IMG_0441.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br />Another highlight is the bouncy bridge. &nbsp;A couple of miles into the Champoeg trail system is a bridge. &nbsp;It has a lot of give to it and is super fun to jump up and down on. &nbsp;I may (or may not) have jumped up and down while my friends ran across the bridge to make it even more bouncy. &nbsp;The sudden cardio burst may (or may not) have flared my asthma. &nbsp;I wheezed for the next half mile but it was totally worth it.<br /><br />The five of us ran leisurely, switching back and forth between friends. &nbsp;By the end of the route we'd all spent individual time with each other. &nbsp;I know it was special for me, but it seemed my friends were really enjoying the run too. &nbsp;It was hard not to feel like we'd been given an incredible gift to run on such a beautiful day in such a serene and peaceful setting. &nbsp;I relished each of my beautiful Sole Sisters and marveled that the basis of our now intimate friendships came from time together on the run. &nbsp;They are such a gift to me. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_urfoXJIh8/VHlTnzAi-HI/AAAAAAAADfc/XWlMQifUxm0/s1600/IMG_0439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_urfoXJIh8/VHlTnzAi-HI/AAAAAAAADfc/XWlMQifUxm0/s1600/IMG_0439.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-run selfie</td></tr></tbody></table>I brought my tripod to take post-run victory pictures. &nbsp;Unlike the hike Carissa and I took in May, I actually knew how to use my tripod this time. &nbsp;Tripod 1. &nbsp;Jodi 1. &nbsp;I'm pretty sure the tide is turning in my favor. At least I hope it is since I take pictures for a living. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7derbJjvkL0/VHlT2S1yObI/AAAAAAAADfk/6Iy6RelvxRY/s1600/40%2Bfor%2B40%2Bfriends-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7derbJjvkL0/VHlT2S1yObI/AAAAAAAADfk/6Iy6RelvxRY/s1600/40%2Bfor%2B40%2Bfriends-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">post-run photo off the tripod.</td></tr></tbody></table>We gave each other sweaty hugs and I stood in the driveway and waved as they drove away. &nbsp;I can't think of a better way to celebrate health, life, and friendship than to run 40 miles for 40 years.<br /><br />Thank you Carissa, Tanya, Devon and Hillary for being such a wonderful source of fun and encouragement in my life. &nbsp;I love you all.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Jodi Stilphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04329375455810397582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-72744606549508189162014-11-04T22:26:00.000-08:002014-12-01T17:23:42.307-08:00Namaste - How Yoga Made Me a Healthier, Stronger, Happier Runner<br />by Jodi<br /><div><br /></div><div><i>*** I am NOT a medical professional nor have I done any scientific research. &nbsp;This is simply my testimony of how yoga has helped my running. ***</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Namaste.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Yhe_hF1vKU/VFmy1jkDLOI/AAAAAAAADcg/ez9djXn8gu8/s1600/morning%2Byoga%2Bsession%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbeach%2Bas%2Bthe%2Bsun%2Bcame%2Bout.%2B%2BSOMEONE%2BPINCH%2BME!%2B(7).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Yhe_hF1vKU/VFmy1jkDLOI/AAAAAAAADcg/ez9djXn8gu8/s1600/morning%2Byoga%2Bsession%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbeach%2Bas%2Bthe%2Bsun%2Bcame%2Bout.%2B%2BSOMEONE%2BPINCH%2BME!%2B(7).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yoga on the Mexican beach was pretty awesome. &nbsp;(January 2013)</td></tr></tbody></table>When I first started practicing yoga I had no idea what "<i>namaste</i>" meant so I looked it up. According to <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Namaste">Urban Dictionary.com</a>&nbsp;namaste is "an ancient Sanskrit greeting still in everyday use in India that means '<i>I bow to the God within you'</i> or '<i>The spirit within me salutes the spirit in you</i>.'"</div><div><br /></div><div>I am a follower of Jesus which poses a bit of a problem. &nbsp;I am not a god, nor do I believe any humans are. &nbsp;I bow my knee to none but my Savior who ransomed me from the pit and gave me life that is truly life. &nbsp;But I do resonate with the phrase "<i>the spirit in me salutes the spirit in you</i>." &nbsp;It's basically a nice way of saying, &nbsp;"<i>Well done. &nbsp;I salute your effort and I appreciate the person you are." &nbsp;</i>I can get on board with that.</div><div><br /></div><div>A lot of Christians deem yoga to be evil because it is steeped in ancient Indian religion, New Age philosophy and teaches the chakras. &nbsp;I have chosen to embrace the benefits of yoga, discard the belief systems that don't align with the story of Jesus, and use the breath training and meditation sections during a yoga class to meditate on Jesus or passages from the Bible. &nbsp;<b>Yoga has been incredibly restorative, therapeutic, and beneficial for my physical and mental health.</b></div><div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div><b>Learning to Practice Consistently</b></div><div>I tried and liked yoga years ago, but was so sporadic in my practice that I was always starting over each time I tried again. &nbsp;Once exercise became a part of the daily rhythm of my life, I practiced yoga in fits and starts. &nbsp;I got comfortable with the poses and their names, but never practiced consistently enough to see any real benefit or get very good at it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last fall I started running consistently again after a stress fracture. &nbsp;I knew yoga was a MUST to stay healthy so I committed to practice yoga at least once a week. &nbsp;Yoga is offered at most gyms and private yoga studios are popping up everywhere. &nbsp;I personally don't like being constrained by specific times of yoga classes and prefer to practice yoga alone in the quiet of my living room. &nbsp;The silence rejuvenates me. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><div>I bought several yoga DVD's, focused on power yoga, and tried them all out. &nbsp;A few have risen to the top as my favorites, while others I've only tried once or twice. &nbsp;Here's my brief overview of the videos in my collection.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9A2EkVpFlFk/VFmlTeMQurI/AAAAAAAADcA/qPNdNPhSQQg/s1600/IMG_0276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9A2EkVpFlFk/VFmlTeMQurI/AAAAAAAADcA/qPNdNPhSQQg/s1600/IMG_0276.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div></div></div><div><ol><li>Jillian Michaels <b><i>Yoga Meltdown</i></b> and <i><b>Yoga Inferno</b>. &nbsp;</i>Many people I know love these DVD's. &nbsp;I am not one of them. &nbsp;I barely made it through each video once. &nbsp;These videos are short, thirty minute workouts - great if you're in a crunch for time. &nbsp;But this is not traditional yoga. &nbsp;It's a combination of cardio with some yoga moves. &nbsp;It felt counterintuitive to the whole premise of yoga to me. &nbsp;I will go back to these videos if I need a quick cardio workout that includes stretching.</li><li>Bob Harper <i style="font-weight: bold;">Inside Out Method Yoga for the Warrior. </i>I love this workout. &nbsp;It's one full hour and is super challenging. &nbsp;Many times my muscles will be literally shaking while I try to hold the pose out until he says to release it. &nbsp;There's a great core section toward the end of the video and a separate fifteen minute core only workout. &nbsp;The breath training and relaxation portion at the end of the class is a little too short (in my opinion) but is long enough to calm my mind and bring the mental restoration I've come to love about yoga.</li><li>Rodney Yee <b><i>Power Yoga Collection</i></b>. Rodney is my favorite yoga instructor. &nbsp;His style of teaching is gentle and quiet, without focus on the chakras or emphasis on the Eastern religion. &nbsp;His wardrobe choices are a little revealing though. &nbsp;I'm grateful that a lot of yoga is taught by voice without having to watch the video. &nbsp;The Power Yoga Collection has three one-hour sessions on one disc and I love them all. &nbsp;<b><i>Yoga Burn</i></b> and <b><i>Power Yoga</i></b> are my current favorites. &nbsp;When I was training for my marathons, his <b><i>Yoga Conditioning for Athletes</i></b> was my go-to therapy for tight, sore muscles.</li><li>Rodney Yee <b><i>Ultimate Power Yoga</i></b>. &nbsp;I have only done this workout once or twice, but I enjoyed it. &nbsp;It's broken into five, twenty-minute segments of power yoga so the athlete can choose which segments they need the most on that day and how long they want to practice. &nbsp;I appreciate the flexibility this DVD offers and plan to use it more frequently in the future.</li></ol></div><div>I am happy to say practicing yoga is now a regular part of my workout schedule. <b>I am a healthier, stronger, happier runner as a result.</b> &nbsp;Here are some reasons why.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Benefits of Yoga for Runners</b></div><div><ol><li><b>Yoga forces you to slow down</b>. &nbsp;Runners in general don't rest well. &nbsp;We are notorious for skipping post-run stretching to add on an extra mile or two instead. &nbsp;Stretching is something relegated to when we're injured and can't do anything else. &nbsp;Yoga forces me to slow W-A-Y down. &nbsp;For the hour I'm on my mat, I inhale slowly. &nbsp;Exhale slowly. &nbsp;Inhale. &nbsp;Exhale. &nbsp;I can feel stress melt away and my spirit restored. &nbsp;It is so therapeutic.</li><li><b>Yoga teaches you to listen to your body</b>. Runners, especially distance runners, are known for pushing too long and too hard, often to our detriment. &nbsp;We tune out the warning signs our body gives us and keep pushing on. &nbsp;This results in a lot of overuse injuries. &nbsp;Yoga is all about starting slowly, letting your body warm up, and only stretching as far as your body can go on that day. &nbsp;Practicing yoga has taught me to tune in to what my body is saying - stretching longer on days when I'm limber, and taking it easy on days when I'm tight and sore.</li><li><b>Yoga makes you feel better.</b>&nbsp; I have never - not once - in this entire year of practicing yoga wished I would have done something else instead if I set the time aside for yoga. &nbsp;Every.single.time -without fail - I feel so much better after a yoga session than before I started. &nbsp;The combination of stretching, breath training, and strength work leaves me feeling limber, tall, strong, renewed mentally, and empowered by the time I turn the DVD off. &nbsp;Yoga is like one giant RE-SET button.</li><li><b>Yoga isn't for wimps.</b>&nbsp;Before I started practicing yoga, I scoffed at the idea that it was a workout. &nbsp;And then I tried it. &nbsp;Power yoga uses your body weight to build strength and leanness. &nbsp;Poses are often held for long periods of time and there is a ton of upper body work. &nbsp;I am usually sore (in a good way) the day after a hard power yoga session.&nbsp;</li><li><b>Yoga prevents injuries.</b>&nbsp;Yoga focuses a lot on core strength and flexibility, especially in the hamstrings and the hips. &nbsp;When I am pounding a lot of miles each week, my hamstrings and hips get so tight. &nbsp;If I don't take the time to stretch and realign them, my body protests. &nbsp;My knees and ankles start aching and my running gait is thrown off. &nbsp;My shoulders tighten up, my neck locks up and I get a headache that can last for days. &nbsp;One hour of yoga makes all of that better. &nbsp;My hamstrings stretch out, hips realign, and the tension in my shoulders fade out. &nbsp;I guarantee that regular yoga was the key to me staying injury-free while I trained for and ran two marathons within five weeks of each other this spring.</li><li><b>Yoga will shape your body.</b>&nbsp; Practicing yoga toned my arms and shoulders and brought more definition to my legs. &nbsp;I can even see some abdominal muscles trying to come out too. &nbsp;I intentionally don't have a scale at my house. &nbsp;I think they are evil and not an accurate reflection of someone's health and fitness. &nbsp;But I do have a mirror. &nbsp;My weight hasn't changed, but I can tell when I look in the mirror that my body has.</li><li><b>Yoga is fun to do with friends. </b>90% of my yoga practice is done at home by myself, but I have also loved practicing with my friends, kids, and husband. &nbsp;Several times we've transformed a family room into a mini yoga studio and had a blast trying not to kick each other. &nbsp;My daughter - who is always on the go - often joins me at the end of a session to practice her breath training and forced relaxation.</li></ol></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pSBaRcPoGlY/U3PckZpw1xI/AAAAAAAACNg/a65Z7r8SKC4/s1600/IMG_8312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pSBaRcPoGlY/U3PckZpw1xI/AAAAAAAACNg/a65Z7r8SKC4/s1600/IMG_8312.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yoga on a girls weekend</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6huJQf7myC4/VFmlbLkNwmI/AAAAAAAADcI/XRpWHyYpKjM/s1600/IMG_0280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6huJQf7myC4/VFmlbLkNwmI/AAAAAAAADcI/XRpWHyYpKjM/s1600/IMG_0280.jpg" height="316" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">roping the family into some yoga</td></tr></tbody></table>If you are a runner, I highly recommend that you consider adding yoga to your tool belt. &nbsp;Take a class at your gym. &nbsp;Buy classes at a yoga studio. &nbsp;Do what I did and buy some yoga DVD's. &nbsp;Or follow Carissa's lead and check out yoga DVD's from the library.<br /><br />Yoga can be confusing in the beginning, but give yourself some grace and enough time to learn the poses and their names. &nbsp;If you stick with it long enough, I think you will see and feel the benefits. <br /><br />Namaste.</div>Jodi Stilphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04329375455810397582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-89060916769929465712014-09-16T14:14:00.000-07:002014-09-16T14:14:33.317-07:00It's Just Not That Important: Bridge of the Goddess 2014 Race Reviewby <strike>Jodi</strike>&nbsp;Wheezy<br /><br />On Saturday Carissa and I raced together again for the first time since February. &nbsp;It was such a treat to spend a full morning together. &nbsp;Our current life seasons are difficult to grab time together, making those moments when we actually see each other in person really sweet.<br /><br />Actually I saw Carissa more last week than I have in the past six months combined. &nbsp;I called it <i><b>Carissa Fest 2014.</b></i> &nbsp;We celebrated her birthday on Wednesday with a yummy lunch. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LgQm7Fdvquw/VBfA-cjuZQI/AAAAAAAAC2w/GglNOzIKgOY/s1600/Carissa's%2BBirthday-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LgQm7Fdvquw/VBfA-cjuZQI/AAAAAAAAC2w/GglNOzIKgOY/s1600/Carissa's%2BBirthday-2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of Carissa Fest 2014. &nbsp;Me. &nbsp;Kim. &nbsp;Carissa. &nbsp;There's Tanya our other Sole Sister. &nbsp;And Devon - who writes her own running blog.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVdYbrp49ys/VBfA9efWnAI/AAAAAAAAC2o/49_9zE9nh7c/s1600/Carissa's%2BBirthday-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVdYbrp49ys/VBfA9efWnAI/AAAAAAAAC2o/49_9zE9nh7c/s1600/Carissa's%2BBirthday-5.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful birthday girl</td></tr></tbody></table>Volunteered at packet pickup on Thursday. &nbsp;It was fun to meet new friends, chat with other excited runners, and get matching Goddess t-shirts to wear on race day. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lqUYfbfAMcs/VBdfsvNCAkI/AAAAAAAAC08/Z2azVdnRB-g/s1600/IMG_9713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lqUYfbfAMcs/VBdfsvNCAkI/AAAAAAAAC08/Z2azVdnRB-g/s1600/IMG_9713.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#twinsies at packet pickup</td></tr></tbody></table>We skipped our traditional Night Before the Race Sleepover on Friday due to scheduling logistics, but hooked up bright and early (6 a.m.) in Portland on Saturday morning to head out to the race. (You do not want to see first thing in the morning photos of me).<br /><br /><b><u>THE EVENT</u></b><br />The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.runwithpaula.com/bridge-of-the-goddesses">Bridge of the Goddess Half Marathon and 10k</a>&nbsp;is a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.runwithpaula.com/">Run With Paula</a>&nbsp;event that debuted this year. &nbsp;It was SUPER fun to be a part of the inaugural running of a race that will definitely become a much anticipated annual event in the Portland running community.<br /><br />I know we've said this before but it bears repeating. &nbsp;<b>EVERY.SINGLE.EVENT that Paula Harkin puts on is top notch.</b> &nbsp;She's a runner so she creates, tweaks, and organizes her races to be the kind of event she would want to run. &nbsp;The pre-race communication was thorough and addressed all the typical questions runners have, but it was also warm and inviting. &nbsp;I felt like I got a hug by the time I finished reading each email. <br /><br />The Bridge of the Goddess was designed for women (although a handful of brave men ran too). &nbsp;Participants got awesome reusable Bridge of the Goddess cinch sack goodie bags filled with really cool stuff: a pretty race shirt and a necklace, a coupon for a free fashion photo shoot, Peets coffee coupon, a Luna bar, etc. Every woman who crosses the finish line is celebrated regardless of how fast or slow she got there. &nbsp;The finishers medals were beautiful and feminine. &nbsp;It's these little touches that make women flock to Run with Paula events. <br /><br /><b><u>THE COURSE</u></b><br />You don't run the Bridge of the Goddess race for a PR. &nbsp;You run it because it's the most scenic half marathon course ever. &nbsp;The race starts on the<a href="http://portofcascadelocks.org/bridge-of-the-gods/"> Bridge of the Gods</a> (AH-MAZING!) and transitions to the <a href="http://www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&amp;parkId=113">Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail</a>. &nbsp;It's an&nbsp;out-and-back course that finishes at <a href="http://portofcascadelocks.org/marine-park/">Marine Park</a> in the Port of Cascade Locks. &nbsp;The trail winds through thick lush forest, a tunnel, a giant flight of stairs (yes stairs in a race), and offers an unobstructed view of the Columbia River Gorge. <br /><br />Every part of this challenging course was rolling hills with five significant climbs. &nbsp;Thankfully the grade of the hills was manageable, with the exception of a few spots that were short and steep. &nbsp;I trained on hills to prepare for this race and I was still surprised by how challenging it was to maintain a race pace on one climb after another. <br /><br />Total elevation gain: 1,171 feet. &nbsp;Total elevation loss: 1,262 feet.<br /><br /><b><u>TRAINING</u></b><br />An over-arching theme that God is teaching me this year is to hold everything loosely. Some stuff is just not that important. &nbsp; The "Just Not That Important" for me lately has been my running pace. &nbsp;I am learning to listen to my body, make adjustments, and not let a certain pace define my success as a runner. <br /><br />I only trained specifically for this event for six weeks using the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/run-less-run-faster/id576506116?mt=8">Run Less Run Faster</a>&nbsp;(RLRF) app on my iPhone. &nbsp;My Keizer Marathon finish time projected a half marathon pace per mile of 7:35. &nbsp;It seemed pretty lofty for such a hilly course.<br /><br />When I added speed and tempo work back into my training, the sporadic breathing issues I've had all summer became more consistent. Sprinting and hill climbing were the biggest culprits. Heavily labored breathing and wheezing became a part of every track workout and most tempo runs, making it tough to hit my target paces. I frequently had to make adjustments mid-run to accommodate what my legs and lungs were offering on that specific workout. &nbsp;Post-run recovery was tougher than normal too.<br /><br />I went into race morning knowing my legs were prepped to cover the distance. &nbsp;My lungs are out of my control, so I decided not to stress about it. &nbsp;Based on my training I figured I should be able to finish in 1:45 even if my lungs didn't cooperate. I really wanted to stay under 1:40 but had no idea if that was possible. <b>My goal was to give 100% of what my body offered me on race day and run based on effort and not pace. &nbsp;</b><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1lKieKWe1zw/VBdGSNRq_RI/AAAAAAAAC0o/TT__CBXvnWM/s1600/100%25%2Bpercent%2Bwatermarked-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1lKieKWe1zw/VBdGSNRq_RI/AAAAAAAAC0o/TT__CBXvnWM/s1600/100%25%2Bpercent%2Bwatermarked-1.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took this picture during Hood to Coast 2011 and just rediscovered it.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><u>THE RACE</u></b><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83qnMvQIbx8/VBdgGbPKoyI/AAAAAAAAC1E/6pMKwOBP2BE/s1600/IMG_9753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83qnMvQIbx8/VBdgGbPKoyI/AAAAAAAAC1E/6pMKwOBP2BE/s1600/IMG_9753.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before the race - isn't it lovely?</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The weather in Oregon has been unseasonably dry and hot. &nbsp;It was 63 degrees at the start of the race, but since the course was mostly shaded it didn't really heat up for a few hours. &nbsp;It was fun to start on the Bridge of the Gods, especially because it's a metal grate so you can look down through the grate to the water WAY below. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zbbCNlufnds/VBdgIn4AnNI/AAAAAAAAC1g/es_Tsq6yxjw/s1600/IMG_9766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zbbCNlufnds/VBdgIn4AnNI/AAAAAAAAC1g/es_Tsq6yxjw/s1600/IMG_9766.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking down through the grate on the bridge - we weren't far enough back to see water.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MwGz7_n7Zfg/VBdgIjPN5JI/AAAAAAAAC1c/xAlkFWBx_Uk/s1600/IMG_9774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MwGz7_n7Zfg/VBdgIjPN5JI/AAAAAAAAC1c/xAlkFWBx_Uk/s1600/IMG_9774.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pirated this picture from Paula's Instagram page.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6jhu8nIWRXE/VBdgHKipWsI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/boPIzRrN7RQ/s1600/IMG_9764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6jhu8nIWRXE/VBdgHKipWsI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/boPIzRrN7RQ/s1600/IMG_9764.jpg" height="320" width="282" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I gambled and wore new shoes on race day. &nbsp;It was a gamble that paid off. &nbsp;I appreciated the lightweight racing shoes when I was climbing all those hills. &nbsp;What a relief! &nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-41PpTGzdOiI/VBdgIz2QQGI/AAAAAAAAC1o/sDa6N5Q_G8w/s1600/IMG_9767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-41PpTGzdOiI/VBdgIz2QQGI/AAAAAAAAC1o/sDa6N5Q_G8w/s1600/IMG_9767.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">twinsies on race day&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table>The Historic Columbia River Highway Trail was epic. &nbsp;The Gorge is one of my favorite places in Oregon and it was surreal to run a race through it. I'm thankful that I took the time to look around me and really enjoy the view as I ran. &nbsp;(I did NOT stop to take pictures though).<br /><br />The hills were tougher than I expected - and never ending. &nbsp;When we turned around at the halfway mark we were met with a stiff headwind. &nbsp;It greeted us in every exposed part of the race, especially in the last mile to the finish, making it tough to maintain race pace.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />I have spent years chasing Carissa, if I'm lucky enough to be close enough to have her in my sights. &nbsp;But she's been feeling consistently cruddy and Saturday was just another day of running with fatigue and dizziness for her. &nbsp;(Don't worry - she's on it with some medical professionals). &nbsp;Her grit and determination in the face of tough circumstances inspire me on a daily basis.<br /><br />We started the race together and were soon in the lead pack of about fifteen women. &nbsp;I passed Carissa on the first downhill which was not surprising since I love the downhill and she's a better climber. &nbsp;Carissa stayed behind me - within about twenty seconds- for the next seven miles.<br /><br />On the second descent I passed a runner from the Portland Running Company race team. &nbsp;She passed me on the third climb. &nbsp;After the turnaround, we chatted enough to exchange names. &nbsp;Her name is Lynsay and she has the gift of encouragement. &nbsp;The first thing she said to me was, "<i>Nice pace. &nbsp;This is a tough course." &nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i>We ran the rest of the race together. &nbsp;I led on the downhills. &nbsp;Lynsay led on the climbs. &nbsp;At mile seven Carissa caught up to us. &nbsp;The three of us formed a little group and ran the rest of the race within sight of each other. &nbsp;It was such a treat to have other ladies on the course racing hard. &nbsp;Had I been alone on the trail I definitely would have slowed down. &nbsp;Knowing they were there kept me accountable to keep running strong. <br /><br />The fourth climb was the longest and the steepest. &nbsp;My lungs were burning and I started wheezing pretty badly. (Don't worry. &nbsp;I'm on it with a plan to better breathing). &nbsp;Carissa caught up to me and passed me. &nbsp;She said over her shoulder, "<i>You need to get that checked out,</i>" then stopped to walk briefly because she was feeling dizzy. &nbsp;What a pair we are. &nbsp;Just call us Wheezy and Dizzy. &nbsp;Carissa assured me she was fine (I think she was lying) so I kept wheezing my way to the top of the hill. <br /><br />Lynsay pulled ahead of me and I couldn't recover my breathing fast enough to charge the downhill like I had been. &nbsp;It looked like she was pulling away for good but I got a burst of energy and was able to catch her at the summit of the last big hill. <br /><br />With a stiff headwind blowing us backward, we tackled the last mile. &nbsp; I was in front with Lynsay one stride behind me. &nbsp;At this point we were running on the sidewalk through town to get to Marine Park. &nbsp;We took turns hollering, <b>"</b><i>On your left</i><b>"</b> so we could cut through the crowd of 10k walkers that were also approaching the finish.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C7RRs90LKDY/VBinrQTCj6I/AAAAAAAAC3A/eiXUYFUGI8w/s1600/Screenshot%2B2014-09-16%2B14.08.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C7RRs90LKDY/VBinrQTCj6I/AAAAAAAAC3A/eiXUYFUGI8w/s1600/Screenshot%2B2014-09-16%2B14.08.16.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So it's a screen shot from EP Events website, but you can see how close Lynsay and I were running the whole second half of the race.</td></tr></tbody></table>I kicked too hard too soon. Running downhill shouldn't be hard, but it was. &nbsp;My legs were burning. &nbsp;My lungs hurt. I told Lynsay that I was dying and she should go ahead. &nbsp;Instead of passing me she said, "<i>Nope. &nbsp;We've got this. &nbsp;It's all downhill to the park. &nbsp;Just run.</i>"<br /><br />So we did, forging our way single file through the crowd toward the finish line. &nbsp; The last tenth of a mile was on grass through the park and was wide open. &nbsp;It was Lynsay's chance to fly past me and I fully expected her to. &nbsp;But instead she yelled, <i>"Go get it Jodi." &nbsp;</i><br /><br />Seriously? &nbsp;Who does that? &nbsp;My new friend. &nbsp;That's who!<br /><br />I sprinted as hard as I could to the finish line. &nbsp;Lynsay was one second behind me. &nbsp;We hugged and cheered as Carissa came charging in 21 seconds later.<br /><br />When the final results were in, we found out that we finished the race in 8th, 9th, and 10th place overall! &nbsp;And we were all in the same age division (at least for another month) so we took 3rd, 4th, and 5th in our age division. &nbsp;I NEVER would have guessed that would be the outcome of our race when it started.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Lynsay's selfless act of kindness gave me a podium position. &nbsp;It was a first for me and super fun to climb up on the box and pose so Carissa could take my picture. &nbsp;Such a little thing, but it was fun.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-73ethjwvofo/VBdiDOeJRSI/AAAAAAAAC2U/5cc4SPSs3ug/s1600/IMG_9771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-73ethjwvofo/VBdiDOeJRSI/AAAAAAAAC2U/5cc4SPSs3ug/s1600/IMG_9771.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3rd place age division</td></tr></tbody></table>The Bridge of the Goddess race confirmed to me what is important. &nbsp;I am so thankful for the ability to run, even with wheezy lungs. &nbsp;I am thankful for a beautiful place to live and play. &nbsp;Most of all, I am thankful for friendship - new and old. <br /><br />Thank you Carissa and Lynsay for making this a race that I will remember and celebrate for a long time to come. &nbsp;And thank you Paula for another awesome event. &nbsp;I'm already looking forward to next year.<br /><br /><br /><b><u>BY THE NUMBERS</u></b><br />Carissa ran naked - no Garmin for her. &nbsp;It was a first for her in a race, but she wanted to hold herself accountable to run by effort and not pace so she left her Garmin at home. &nbsp;<b>Finish time: 1:39:10 - 7:34 average pace - </b>and that's feeling dizzy! &nbsp;Another impressive run in the books. &nbsp;Nice work Sole Sister.<br /><br />Here's my race by the numbers. &nbsp;<b>Finish time: 1:38:49 - 7:32 average pace</b>. &nbsp;Right on the money for my 7:35 pace that I trained for. &nbsp;The more I use RLRF, the more I like it.<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody><tr><td style="background-color: #bec0bf; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>SPLIT</b></span></td><td style="background-color: #bec0bf; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>TIME</b></span></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: #e3e4e4; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Mile 1&nbsp;</b></span></td><td style="border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;">7:15</span></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: #e3e4e4; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Mile 2</b></span></td><td style="background-color: #efefef; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;">7:56</span></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: #e3e4e4; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Mile 3</b></span></td><td style="border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;">7:10</span></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: #e3e4e4; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Mile 4</b></span></td><td style="background-color: #efefef; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;">7:17</span></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: #e3e4e4; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Mile 5</b></span></td><td style="border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;">7:21</span></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: #e3e4e4; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Mile 6</b></span></td><td style="background-color: #efefef; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;">7:22</span></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: #e3e4e4; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Mile 7</b></span></td><td style="border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;">7:12</span></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: #e3e4e4; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Mile 8</b></span></td><td style="background-color: #efefef; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;">7:18</span></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: #e3e4e4; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Mile 9</b></span></td><td style="border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;">7:31</span></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: #e3e4e4; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Mile 10</b></span></td><td style="background-color: #efefef; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;">7:52</span></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: #e3e4e4; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Mile 11</b></span></td><td style="border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;">7:54</span></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: #e3e4e4; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Mile 12</b></span></td><td style="background-color: #efefef; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;">7:17</span></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: #e3e4e4; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Mile 13</b></span></td><td style="border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 13.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;">7:10</span></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: #e3e4e4; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 23.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Mile 14 (.35 miles - my watched measured the course long)</b></span></td><td style="background-color: #efefef; border-color: #000000 #000000 #000000 #000000; border-style: solid; border-width: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px; height: 23.0px; padding: 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px 4.0px; width: 225.0px;" valign="top"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;">7:15</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Jodi Stilphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04329375455810397582noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-8993374810898448352014-09-04T22:20:00.000-07:002014-09-16T16:39:19.592-07:00Thank God Almighty, I Ran From Hood to Coast!By Tanya<br /><br />One week ago I&nbsp;ran the mother of all relay races. Our team of twelve known as <em>"Robin&nbsp;From the Hood and Her </em><em>Coastal </em><em>Van of&nbsp;Misfits"</em>&nbsp;climbed in two vans and ran 196 miles&nbsp;from the top of Mt. Hood to&nbsp;Seaside at the Oregon coast! It all happened so fast that it still doesn't seem real. <br /><br />Hood to Coast is a big deal around these parts. Relay races seem to be popping up all over the place, but H2C was the first around here. Growing up in Portland which falls exactly in the middle of the course, and spending many childhood vacations at either Mt Hood or Seaside, I knew that if I was ever able to run a relay race, it would have to be the H2C. <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />There were just three&nbsp;factors that kept me from the race.<br /><ol><li>My&nbsp;stinkin' injuries kept flaring up making me question if I could pull off&nbsp;running three legs of 5-7 miles over a 24 hour period</li><li>&nbsp;H2C is such a popular race that it fills up every year. &nbsp;You have&nbsp;to know someone with an established team to get in. &nbsp;</li><li>You have to be a bit crazy to voluntarily sign up to forgo&nbsp;comforts such as showers, flush toilets,&nbsp;sleep, and live for 36+ hours in a crowded van with 6-7 other sleep deprived, achy, stinky people!</li></ol><br />Fortunately 2014 proved to be the year of healing for me. &nbsp;Obstacle #1 overcome! Thank you God and West Portland Physical Therapy!<br /><br />One week after completing my first <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2014/08/we-trid-it-and-we-liked-it-midsummer.html" target="_blank">triathlon</a>, I was invited by a running friend of mine, Michael Allen, to run his legs on Robin's H2C team. Michael had run H2C&nbsp;six times already and was going to be competing in a half Ironman a week before the relay. &nbsp;He was happy to give me the opportunity to&nbsp;run his legs and he would be our driver. &nbsp;Obstacle #2 taken care of. Thank you Robin and Michael Allen!<br /><br />Our team consisted of mostly new runners and was not an overly competitive team. Since Michael was the veteran runner he had&nbsp;the most difficult legs of the race. His team was counting on him to keep an 8:30 pace to help speed their team along. Michael assured me that I was up for the task based on my triathlon times. Perhaps I was still&nbsp;on a runners high from the triathlon, or you can just call me crazy, but&nbsp;it was just too good of an offer to pass up!&nbsp;Not to mention&nbsp;I&nbsp;had some wonderful friends and family who stepped up to take care of my boys so I could run. &nbsp;Obstacle #3 - done!&nbsp;Thank you Dan, Carissa and Jill!<br /><br />I had one week to get ready. My body was pretty much prepared <span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: black;">from all the triathlon training, however</span>&nbsp;</span>I did add one training day where I ran three miles, three times in 24 hours, at about the same times I would be running in the relay to acclimate my body and test out the clothes and gear I was planning to bring. I even got to meet and run with two of my van mates who I would be running with.<br /><br />Fortunately, I had a lot expert advice for all the Do's and Don'ts of the Relay from Michael, my husband,&nbsp;and many friends who had previous experience running H2C.&nbsp;Robin, our team captain, was so organized that I really felt all I had to do was show up and run. I was ready to go!<br /><br />﻿<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C9eQDG4kP74/VAaaCoXQarI/AAAAAAAAAPs/ZE0Y05zMLgA/s1600/IMG_4005207273902.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C9eQDG4kP74/VAaaCoXQarI/AAAAAAAAAPs/ZE0Y05zMLgA/s1600/IMG_4005207273902.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole team the night before H2C</td></tr></tbody></table>The evening before the race&nbsp;our team gathered at Robin's house so we could meet all our teammates. At 4 a.m. on Friday those of us in Van&nbsp;1&nbsp;reconvened and headed up&nbsp;to the top of Mt Hood.<br /><br />Two days before the relay the middle of my foot started giving me some trouble. It felt deeper than&nbsp;the tendon so I&nbsp;wondered if it might be&nbsp;a&nbsp;little stress fracture. As we got to the top of the mountain I said a little prayer and checked my Bible verse for the day. &nbsp;This is what it was.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"<i>Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His holy mountain; for the Lord our God is holy!"&nbsp;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Psalm 99:9</div><br />I looked up at the stunningly beautiful summit of&nbsp;Mt Hood and knew in my heart there was nothing to fear.<br /><br />I wasn't running until the fifth leg, so&nbsp;I got to stay warm and cozy until the start of our race. &nbsp;Once we started running, I had a blast cheering on&nbsp;all of my van mates as one by one they set off on their first leg. &nbsp;Each of them hit their estimated time goals almost to the minute! <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5y9W1UtqLw/VAaa0z81RJI/AAAAAAAAAP8/IyXIIqGt1Rg/s1600/IMAG1939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5y9W1UtqLw/VAaa0z81RJI/AAAAAAAAAP8/IyXIIqGt1Rg/s1600/IMAG1939.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael and I at the start</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">﻿﻿</div>My first leg was at 11:00 a.m. and was 6.08 miles. The first three miles were downhill on unshaded pavement and the last three were uphill on a somewhat shaded back road. I prefer to run by how I feel and usually don't run with any timing devices. However since my teammates were counting on me, I borrowed Carissa's Garmin. I checked a couple of times at the beginning and&nbsp;fretted that&nbsp;I was running too fast, so I decided I was still going to run by feel and just take note when the Garmin indicated that another mile had passed.<br /><br />I was glad I ran fast in the first half because the sun was<strike> </strike>brutal. By the time I climbed up the hill to get to the back road I was feeling its effect. At the top of the hill I spied some people making a power tunnel for the runners ahead of me and wondered it they would stick around for me to make it to them. As I got closer I realized it was my teammates! What a fun surprise! Their support helped power me up the last three miles of steady incline and brought me in at an 8:18 pace!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5HL4PAZoBrw/VAaazHDiqoI/AAAAAAAAAP0/E3-XxygqEsM/s1600/MGCA_20140822_H2C_RobinFromTheHood_00069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5HL4PAZoBrw/VAaazHDiqoI/AAAAAAAAAP0/E3-XxygqEsM/s1600/MGCA_20140822_H2C_RobinFromTheHood_00069.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My power tunnel!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vNvbghfPil0/VAadCdnQuRI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/SlMTnk3C3gY/s1600/MGCA_20140822_H2C_RobinFromTheHood_00084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vNvbghfPil0/VAadCdnQuRI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/SlMTnk3C3gY/s1600/MGCA_20140822_H2C_RobinFromTheHood_00084.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The&nbsp;finish of my first leg</td></tr></tbody></table>By the time my second leg came around it was at 11:30 p.m. and the lack of sleep was taking its toll on me. Additionally my stomach was pretty unhappy.&nbsp;I took a few things to help my stomach and headed out.<br /><br />The second leg consisted of 7.68 miles on a mostly flat, but somewhat uneven and rocky road. Michael said he would be happy to run with me on my last two legs and I was overjoyed to have his company. &nbsp;I told him I wouldn't be able to talk to him and keep my pace, but reminded him that I was thrilled to have company. <br /><br />Right out of the gate, my upset stomach turned into massive heartburn, then into a side stitch. I did my best to keep a steady rhythm in my pace and breathing. As I ran the combined effects of my upset stomach,&nbsp;the runners' headlights, and the lights from the oncoming traffic made me feel as if I was on a never ending roller coaster. Instead of counting roadkill (aka runners you pass), I began counting the amount of times I was able to hold back my vomit!<br /><br />It was a long run but thanks to Michael's funny stories, constant encouragement and updates on my pace I was able to hold steady,&nbsp;thwart&nbsp;nine waves&nbsp;of nausea, and&nbsp;come in at a 8:20 pace! <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--tDz_BcyKiE/VAabh1_5jeI/AAAAAAAAAQU/g3pXLW-TzC8/s1600/IMG_41934506807105.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--tDz_BcyKiE/VAabh1_5jeI/AAAAAAAAAQU/g3pXLW-TzC8/s1600/IMG_41934506807105.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Night time running</td></tr></tbody></table>By the time we finally made it past the deadlock line of vans to our would-be sleeping area&nbsp;in the town of Mist, we were told there were no more places to sleep.<span style="color: magenta;">&nbsp;</span>Eventually we found a place to park, got situated in the van and dozed off. &nbsp;But sleep was short - 1.5 hours - because it was time to head out on our third leg. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rln6aArl51I/VAacKK0iJeI/AAAAAAAAAQk/bBxtfSqiYVY/s1600/IMG_41965755151375.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rln6aArl51I/VAacKK0iJeI/AAAAAAAAAQk/bBxtfSqiYVY/s1600/IMG_41965755151375.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Van life</td></tr></tbody></table><br />My third and final leg&nbsp;was the dreaded Leg 29. This leg consists of 6.11 miles. The first 3.11 miles&nbsp;are a brutal incline up to the summit&nbsp;followed by a steep three mile downhill on somewhat uneven terrain. I ran this leg at 11:00 a.m. in the hot sun. Fortunately there were sporadic spots of shade. I was tired from lack of sleep but was able to&nbsp;keep my&nbsp;muscles stretched and rolled out and my stomach under control&nbsp;so I felt ready to go.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wowTrjfqe0/VAaa9AlqWDI/AAAAAAAAAQE/iGF50hhUBj4/s1600/IMAG1954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wowTrjfqe0/VAaa9AlqWDI/AAAAAAAAAQE/iGF50hhUBj4/s1600/IMAG1954.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael and I declaring W.A.R. (We Are Runners) at the start of my third leg</td></tr></tbody></table>Once again Michael joined me and kept me encouraged and updated on my pace throughout the leg. Initially the incline was not as steep as I anticipated and there were areas of flat reprieve. I<strike> </strike>easily&nbsp;picked off quite a few roadkill and was&nbsp;surprised to notice that very few women were running this leg. <br /><br />Once we hit the true hill I knew it would take all my focus to keep a good pace. The next challenge came when a swarm of aggressive bees attacked me. They were not intimidated by my Karate chops either. Two of them even hit me in the eye! As I labored up the hill&nbsp;sweat started rolling into my eyes - even with my hat on - making it hard to see. When our&nbsp;van passed me Michael very graciously asked for a wet towel for me to wipe my eyes.&nbsp;It worked wonders! I set the cool towel around my neck and gave it all I had to the top of the hill.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqYFT22hM7c/VAadkHRmGUI/AAAAAAAAARA/sLX-nvHZYL4/s1600/MGCA_20140823_H2C_RobinFromTheHood_00117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqYFT22hM7c/VAadkHRmGUI/AAAAAAAAARA/sLX-nvHZYL4/s1600/MGCA_20140823_H2C_RobinFromTheHood_00117.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reaching the summit of my 3rd leg hill</td></tr></tbody></table>Michael kept telling me I was keeping a good pace up, but I knew I wanted to kill it on the downhill. When I hit the summit I turned on the jets and yelled to Michael, "<i>Let's finish this thing!</i>" We set off flying downhill, picking off roadkill left and right. We even passed up our van into the exchange!<br />My pace for that leg was an 8:28. &nbsp;Yes! &nbsp;Goal achieved and a great way to finish!<br /><br />We cheered in our last van runner and continued on to cheer our second van onto their final leg. &nbsp;We headed to Seaside&nbsp;to meet our fellow teammates and run into the finish&nbsp;together. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jK8qtX-jeVU/VAadlgIMF8I/AAAAAAAAARE/HWu2st94CRo/s1600/IMG_9544386835336.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jK8qtX-jeVU/VAadlgIMF8I/AAAAAAAAARE/HWu2st94CRo/s1600/IMG_9544386835336.jpeg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made it!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>To top it all off, some running friends of&nbsp;Michael and mine from the <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2012/07/feel-like-running-join-club.html" target="_blank">Oregon Road Runners Club</a>&nbsp;had rented a room at a hotel across from the H2C finish. They invited us over to use their shower and even had a hot lasagna waiting for us! What amazing friends! Thank you Michelle and Steve Robinson.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHf87UB6LAs/VAabHWFaahI/AAAAAAAAAQM/nazycEqhtDw/s1600/IMG_9457262892113.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHf87UB6LAs/VAabHWFaahI/AAAAAAAAAQM/nazycEqhtDw/s1600/IMG_9457262892113.jpeg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gangs all here!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Everything happened so fast and fell into place so well that I still can't believe that&nbsp;I actually ran&nbsp;Hood to Coast. Thank you to all of my wonderful friends and family who made this event possible for me. And to all my new running friends, <i>Robin From the Hood and&nbsp;all the&nbsp;other Coastal Misfits.</i>..when's the next one!?Tanya Corkumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127178808503246347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-59595662531563460502014-08-15T08:33:00.001-07:002014-09-05T09:07:09.905-07:00No Expectations - Cascade Lakes Relay 2014by Jodi<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mwQmkdpJYFQ/U-qwJ9l-0mI/AAAAAAAAChc/wJY080AY7YI/s1600/IMG_9360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mwQmkdpJYFQ/U-qwJ9l-0mI/AAAAAAAAChc/wJY080AY7YI/s1600/IMG_9360.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team No Expectations starting the drive to Southern Oregon</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rpfmumTJsuw/U-qv-i56auI/AAAAAAAAChM/ItcB2N4mBJ8/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rpfmumTJsuw/U-qv-i56auI/AAAAAAAAChM/ItcB2N4mBJ8/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-33.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Van 1 at the start on Diamond Lake. &nbsp;Not excited at all...&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table>Well I can officially cross that one off the bucket list! &nbsp;The Cascade Lakes Relay did not disappoint. &nbsp;It was everything I hoped it would be and a bag of chips. &nbsp;Well maybe not the bag of chips, but we did win a case of beer. <br /><br />Hood to Coast 2011 was my first relay experience. &nbsp;There were totally epic moments and lifetime memories were made, but overall it felt too big and too congested. &nbsp;I'd heard the Cascade Lakes Relay (CLR), set in Southern and Central Oregon, was smaller, more scenic, and more challenging. &nbsp;Plus it covered terrain I've always wanted to visit. &nbsp;What better way to see an area than to run through it? &nbsp;I added CLR to my Bucket List.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />This spring I was invited to join my friend Dawn's Cascade Lakes Relay team. &nbsp;With three friends in my van, it was really tempting. &nbsp;But relays take up a lot of time away from home and are expensive. I'd have to leave for the race four days after getting home from a cross-country, fifteen day, road trip with my family which is not ideal for training or racing. Add to the mix that my Sole Sisters were contemplating a triathlon the same weekend. I hemmed and hawed for weeks, but finally decided that CLR made the most sense so I ponied up my money and joined the team.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dZ4psyAziU/U-qv_FJtBKI/AAAAAAAAChQ/Zi1obl2UsRk/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dZ4psyAziU/U-qv_FJtBKI/AAAAAAAAChQ/Zi1obl2UsRk/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-34.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruth was one of my friends on the team. &nbsp;She is so inspiring, encouraging, tough and strong!</td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="color: magenta;">WHAT IS CASCADE LAKES RELAY?</span></b><br />216.6 miles run continuously and split between twelve teammates separated into two vans. &nbsp;Each runner covers three "legs" of the race. &nbsp;The average mileage is between 15-20 miles per runner and each leg varies in difficulty depending on the terrain. &nbsp;(My overall mileage was 22 total). Van 1 starts the race. &nbsp;When all six of their runners have completed their legs, they tag off to Van 2. &nbsp;The runners and vans leapfrog each other across the entire 216.6 miles and run across the finish line together.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aKu40-gFGzo/U-qyGM0LZBI/AAAAAAAACh4/q-P5lfyiKp0/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aKu40-gFGzo/U-qyGM0LZBI/AAAAAAAACh4/q-P5lfyiKp0/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-12.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Van 1 gets to start</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWrIOxCJrUg/U-qz7R5GLRI/AAAAAAAACi4/VjZh1lGTfeU/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWrIOxCJrUg/U-qz7R5GLRI/AAAAAAAACi4/VjZh1lGTfeU/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-84.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We all finish together</td></tr></tbody></table>CLR starts at Diamond Lake and finishes at a park along the Deschutes River in Bend - central Oregon's playground. &nbsp;Racers run through some of Oregon's most remote and beautiful country. &nbsp;The few small communities that we ran through welcomed us with open arms providing places to sleep, food and gas to purchase, and much needed encouragement.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GKz-RGIA9Pw/U-qxtkSzlHI/AAAAAAAACho/mpBfx205WiM/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GKz-RGIA9Pw/U-qxtkSzlHI/AAAAAAAACho/mpBfx205WiM/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-10.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diamond Lake - the start of the race</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kTQgsbdgk-w/U-qx2icQxlI/AAAAAAAAChw/Pa3O9T4YF38/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kTQgsbdgk-w/U-qx2icQxlI/AAAAAAAAChw/Pa3O9T4YF38/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-22.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a wetland area at one of the exchange zones</td></tr></tbody></table>The entire race is run at higher elevations - most of it above 4,600 feet or higher - and through extreme daytime heat and the cooler, pitch black of night. &nbsp;There are no street lights, just the light of your headlamp and the quiet of your thoughts to guide you from one exchange to the next.<br /><br />We slept on grass bordering the lone highway that went through town and on the floor of a high school gym. &nbsp;Wore crazy costumes. &nbsp;Cheered each other one. &nbsp;And had an incredible time!<br /><br /><b>The camaraderie and friendship that come out of an event like this are more than worth the lack of sleep and physical effort. &nbsp;You start the race as strangers and finish as friends. &nbsp;What's not to love?</b><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6WjnlwSXyG4/U-qvdx4yDjI/AAAAAAAACg8/LbiIH9pbAJI/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6WjnlwSXyG4/U-qvdx4yDjI/AAAAAAAACg8/LbiIH9pbAJI/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-1.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo captures the spirit of the relay. Ruth excited to see our teammate Layla approaching the first exchange.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: magenta;"><b>THE LEGS</b></span><br />I was in Van 1 and assigned to run Leg 4, 16, and 28.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAWxF2JSD6I/U-qyaXz8OvI/AAAAAAAACiA/FFvQD5zCEBk/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAWxF2JSD6I/U-qyaXz8OvI/AAAAAAAACiA/FFvQD5zCEBk/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-35.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cause we all know how much water I drink... #fabletics (new running gear)&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.cascadelakesrelay.com/portfolio-items/leg-4/"><b><span style="color: magenta;">Leg 4: </span></b></a>&nbsp;My first run was 7.14 miles and rated moderate. Since it was completely flat I was hoping to run 7:30's, but the extreme heat and elevation totally humbled me. &nbsp;I didn't even come close and finished this leg averaging an 8:14 pace per mile.<br /><br />It was in the mid-80's when I started this leg in the early afternoon. &nbsp;All seven miles were run on a trail consisting of a sandy gravel, making it hard to gain consistently good traction. &nbsp;It was fully exposed to the sun and unsupported, meaning I had to carry my own water and my team couldn't drive alongside me to spray me down with water or offer encouragement.<br /><br />The first six miles were brutal. &nbsp;I couldn't find a rhythm of any sort. &nbsp;The elevation and heat made me wheeze like crazy. &nbsp;My side hurt. &nbsp;My stomach hurt. &nbsp;I worried about getting dehydrated. &nbsp;Overhyderated. &nbsp;Getting lost. &nbsp;Getting eaten by a wild animal. &nbsp;Wondered what was wrong with me as each mile clocked in slower than the one before. &nbsp;All of them, except the first mile, were in the 8 minute mile range. <br /><br />Finally at mile six I shook off all the negative mental noise and settled into a pace that felt decent. &nbsp;In the quiet stillness of that remote trail I realized that this race is not about time, but adapting to the elements, giving your best effort with what you're facing, and soaking up the unique experience. It was a really valuable lesson to learn.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJVqFbQtUfQ/U-qyaQ4yd5I/AAAAAAAACiE/d06CAMtuwoo/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJVqFbQtUfQ/U-qyaQ4yd5I/AAAAAAAACiE/d06CAMtuwoo/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-47.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tagging off to Dawn.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PfIxtCozpbU/U-qvd20ufNI/AAAAAAAAChA/kHMJ2bUoO5s/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PfIxtCozpbU/U-qvd20ufNI/AAAAAAAAChA/kHMJ2bUoO5s/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting sprayed down after my HOT leg 4.</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.cascadelakesrelay.com/portfolio-items/leg-16/" style="color: magenta; font-weight: bold;">Leg 16:</a>&nbsp; My second run started just after midnight. &nbsp;It was 6.73 miles long, all on gravel, &nbsp;rated moderate, and had a steady elevation gain of 200 vertical feet. &nbsp;The night had cooled off nicely into the mid-50's by the time I started running. &nbsp;I was ready for redemption, but not at all focused on time. &nbsp;I made it my goal to run this leg steady and strong and not pay attention to the numbers on the watch.<br /><br />I found a rhythm instantly and stayed in my zone even as I climbed hill after hill after hill. Thankfully the grade of the hills wasn't too steep and most of them weren't too long. &nbsp;It felt so good to run well after the disaster earlier in the day. The elite running teams caught up on this leg and two guys flew by me like I was standing still. &nbsp;It was so impressive to watch them run off into the night.<br /><br />I LOVED this leg. &nbsp;How often do you get to run in the middle of the night, in pitch black darkness on a gravel road with sheriffs on horseback manning the way? &nbsp;NEVER! &nbsp;The vans drove alongside the runners kicking up boatloads of dust as they passed. &nbsp;My headlight illuminated the gray cloud of dust that I inhaled as I ran. &nbsp;That part wasn't amazing but as Clark W. Griswold says, "<i>It's all part of the experience honey." &nbsp;</i>I finished this leg with a 7:53 average pace.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s_WnADmxjVw/U-qy2UrASJI/AAAAAAAACiQ/T6m03u40ssY/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s_WnADmxjVw/U-qy2UrASJI/AAAAAAAACiQ/T6m03u40ssY/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-58.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to start Leg 16. &nbsp;John was too speedy coming into the exchange zone and he caught me in the porta-potty! &nbsp;OOPS!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="color: magenta; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.cascadelakesrelay.org/portfolio-items/leg-28/">Leg 28</a>: </span>My last leg was the hardest. 6.07 uphill miles gaining 404 vertical feet. &nbsp;I can't believe it was rated moderate. &nbsp;It felt really hard. <br /><br />Earlier in the morning one of our teammates was having some breathing issues so we tagged her out in the middle of her last run and I finished the last two miles of her run for her. &nbsp;It gave me just enough time to jump in the van, grab a snack and get ready to run Leg 28.<br /><br />By this time I was overly tired and my stomach was a hot mess. I will admit to cutting to the front of the porta-potty line TWICE before my teammate tagged off to me. &nbsp;Ready or not, I had 6 miles of uphill facing me and it was starting to heat up for the day.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YgavmpxOg0A/U-qzLOFfgHI/AAAAAAAACiY/1aotGEysy0M/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YgavmpxOg0A/U-qzLOFfgHI/AAAAAAAACiY/1aotGEysy0M/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-71.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many hills I climbed on this leg, but don't feel sorry for me. &nbsp;There were many legs worse than this one.</td></tr></tbody></table>My teammates were incredible. &nbsp;They leapfrogged me along the course, spraying me down with water to keep me cool and cheering me on. &nbsp;Even though I felt sick physically, I found a good zone for running almost immediately. &nbsp;I ran at a pace that kept the wheezing at bay and gave me enough energy to climb the never ending hills.<br /><br />I was totally spent by the time I tagged off to my teammate, but really pleased with my effort. I finished with an 8:45 average and gave it all I had in the moment. &nbsp;It felt really satisfying. <br /><br /><span style="color: magenta;"><b>TEAM NO EXPECTATIONS</b></span><br />Our team name was No Expectations. &nbsp;We were a corporate team, sponsored by Providence, because half our team worked as nurses in Labor and Delivery. &nbsp;Because of the heat, most of us ditched our time goals and just ran as fast as we could under the circumstance. &nbsp;Ironically, our team won the corporate division! &nbsp;Our reward was a case of Silver Moon Podium Pale Ale, specially labeled for Cascade Lakes Relay winners, and we earned guaranteed entrance into next year's relay. (Make sure to read the label. &nbsp;It's hilarious!) Yee-haw!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng4W2Xh2vc0/U-u-c7pNuLI/AAAAAAAACjY/uK1-siGJJqg/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng4W2Xh2vc0/U-u-c7pNuLI/AAAAAAAACjY/uK1-siGJJqg/s1600/photo.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Finishing the grueling Cascade Lakes Relay is impressive enough, but you won your division too? &nbsp;Maybe you should drink more Podium Pale Ale, so the rest of us have a chance at making the podium." &nbsp;LOL!!!!</td></tr></tbody></table>Our team also made it into the final round for Best Costume. &nbsp;One of our teammates, Camelia, is a ton of fun and a great costume designer. &nbsp;She put together a Wizard of Oz theme for our van and outfitted herself in a Wicked Witch costume, including painting her face, hands and nails green while we were driving down bumpy gravel roads. &nbsp;Now that takes talent! &nbsp;Dawn dressed up as Dorothy and as I approached the exchange zone, they acted out the melting scene from Wizard of Oz. &nbsp;Dorothy threw water on the Witch. &nbsp;She took the baton and chased Dorothy down the road screaming, <i>"I'll get you my pretty.</i>" &nbsp;Then ran two, uphill miles in FULL costume. &nbsp;It was super fun!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ewJF0H7lARI/U-qzhC5w2FI/AAAAAAAACiw/QtEF8nSq1Ac/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ewJF0H7lARI/U-qzhC5w2FI/AAAAAAAACiw/QtEF8nSq1Ac/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-73.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I'm melting!"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OubtJAsDHLM/U-qzZZyWQmI/AAAAAAAACik/PZIiedgW35M/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OubtJAsDHLM/U-qzZZyWQmI/AAAAAAAACik/PZIiedgW35M/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-76.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I'll get you my pretty!"</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Camelia loves photography as much as I do and she lugged her camera out of the van at every stop. &nbsp;We took turns with the camera and ended up with an awesome photo journal of the race. &nbsp;We both agreed that it was fun to see ourselves in a few pictures too since we're usually the ones behind the camera. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1qPtG0T6kDs/U-qz7ZKTAaI/AAAAAAAACi8/BOt2ZkQLkAU/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-82.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1qPtG0T6kDs/U-qz7ZKTAaI/AAAAAAAACi8/BOt2ZkQLkAU/s1600/CLR2014%2Bfor%2BFB-82.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Van 1 done and headed to the finish line. &nbsp;Poor John - the only guy in our van. &nbsp;What a good sport!</td></tr></tbody></table>I might have crossed Cascade Lakes Relay off my Bucket List, but I'll be back. &nbsp;I can't wait for next year and have even talked my husband into running with us! <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1S6arhxDBS8/U-q0NCpnRfI/AAAAAAAACjI/4_T6Sea0P5A/s1600/IMG_9396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1S6arhxDBS8/U-q0NCpnRfI/AAAAAAAACjI/4_T6Sea0P5A/s1600/IMG_9396.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Done and done. &nbsp;Cool finishers shirts and medals too.</td></tr></tbody></table>Thank you Cascade Lakes Relay staff and organizers for putting on an incredible beautiful and well-run event. &nbsp;Coming from a team that had No Expectations, you exceeded mine!Jodi Stilphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04329375455810397582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-1488098085865728312014-08-14T19:29:00.000-07:002014-08-14T19:29:19.524-07:002014: A Summer of AdventureBy Tanya<br /><br />The summer of 2014 has certainly shaped up to be one of new experiences and adventures. As evidenced by the lack of new blog posts, we Sole Sisters have been hitting the road this summer. <br /><br />Carissa and Jodi have both traveled across the U.S. on family vacations, and in true Sole Sister fashion, running, swimming and hiking along the way. I have remained closer to home gearing up for my first triathlon, the <a href="http://aasportsltd.com/events/race/mid-summer-tridu/" target="_blank">Mid-Simmer Olympic Tri</a> on August 3rd at Blue Lake Park&nbsp;in Portland, Oregon. I&nbsp;somehow convinced Carissa to do the Mid Summer Tri with me and it has been fantastic to have a training partner. Jodi wanted to join us but she had some friends who offered her a spot in the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cascadelakesrelay.com/" target="_blank">Cascade Lakes Relay</a> on the same day. She has always wanted to run that race and couldn't pass it up so she has been training amongst her travels.<br /><br />Training for this triathlon has been a fantastic experience! I have followed though on my initial plan to split my training week up into one long ride, one long run, one ride/run brick workout, and two swim/core workout&nbsp;days and my body has felt really good!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Carissa and I are blessed to live close enough that we can&nbsp;ride from my house through the city and into the beautiful countryside and back again in a 28 mile loop, which we have done&nbsp;quite a&nbsp;few times in the wee hours of the morning.&nbsp;There is something&nbsp;really special&nbsp;about being&nbsp;out in nature rolling through the countryside and back again while the city is just waking up.&nbsp;The more&nbsp;I have gotten out on my bike the&nbsp;more comfortable&nbsp;I have become&nbsp;and I can now&nbsp;truly say I love cycling.<br /><br />I also have taken my swimming to the next level by participating in some open water swims hosted by <a href="http://www.zing3coaching.com/" target="_blank">Zing3 Endurance Coaching</a>&nbsp;in the Willamette River. Once I had Carissa committed to the&nbsp;tri,&nbsp;I convinced her she should come to the open water swims with me.<br /><br />The first swim we did, both of us were super nervous. Swimming in open water with a bunch of other people is definitely more challenging than in a pool. I got kicked in the head a few times, swallowed some delicious green water and added quite a bit of distance to my swim by my lack of sighting skills, but we powered through it. We both felt like a train wreck afterward, so we decided to go back and do it all again the next week! The next week we felt more confident and less nervous. We made it our goal to swim steady and we both made the entire 1500 meters without a hitch!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_2xzvse9zw/U9h75nJC4RI/AAAAAAAAAO4/05j66CntUto/s1600/IMG_5631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_2xzvse9zw/U9h75nJC4RI/AAAAAAAAAO4/05j66CntUto/s1600/IMG_5631.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br />I found&nbsp;out that <a href="http://www.athleteslounge.com/about/events-clinics-pg150.htm" target="_blank">Athletes Lounge</a> was hosting a tri training at Hagg Lake where you swim 300 yards, bike 10 miles, and run 2 miles on a trail. Carissa was out of town that day and I was hesitant to do it on my own, but I knew that it was too good of an opportunity to pass up. I went out there by myself and just did it. &nbsp;Boy am I glad I did! <br /><br />I felt pretty confident going into the swim&nbsp;but was surprised by how challenging it was. I think it is because it was such a&nbsp;short distance&nbsp;that I didn't really have time to settle into a good rhythm. I was nervous about the biking portion&nbsp;because I have never ridden in a crowd before, but I actually had a blast on the bike!<br /><br />Another guy and I had a back and forth battle on the hills. &nbsp;I was better on the ups and he was better on the downs. As we pulled into the running transition area, he shouted to me "<i>You may have beat me on the bike, but see if you can catch me on the run!</i>"<br /><br />I am not one to shrink to a challenge,&nbsp;so I set off with a mission, however, the trail did me in. I have not run on a trail for over two years and this was definitely a rough forest trail. A little of the way in I slightly rolled my ankle, and I knew I had to be a bit cautious on it for the remainder of the trail. I ran my best and ended with a strong sprint to the finish and a pretty good overall time. My ankle hurt for a few days after the race but overall my body felt great!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DjdR4Cw0PIg/U9h8AhN0ePI/AAAAAAAAAPA/jjXsRllghBE/s1600/IMAG1864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DjdR4Cw0PIg/U9h8AhN0ePI/AAAAAAAAAPA/jjXsRllghBE/s1600/IMAG1864.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div><br />So here we are less than one week from the big event. Carissa and I went out to swim at Blue Lake today and unfortunately we could only swim within&nbsp;the public swim area, which happened to be 3 feet at the deepest and filled to the brim with kids and families. We did a few short laps&nbsp;and were able&nbsp;to get a feel&nbsp;for the water, but mostly we just got practice sighting by trying to avoid bumping into parents or getting jumped on by children. Nevertheless, it was a beautiful day and fun to be scoping out the course. <br /><br />Jodi gets back from vacation just in time to hit the road for her big relay race as well.&nbsp;I'm sure we will all have plenty to write about in the upcoming weeks. Never a dull moment and never short on adventure. True Sole Sister Style!Tanya Corkumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127178808503246347noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-83200090413337782352014-08-12T17:15:00.005-07:002014-08-16T10:08:43.763-07:00We Tri'd It, And We Liked It: MidSummer Olympic Triathlon Review<div style="text-align: justify;">By Tanya and Carissa</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You know those races where all the stars align and everything just falls perfectly into place? Those few and far between races where everything goes as planned and&nbsp;you are reminded again why you dream big,&nbsp;train&nbsp;hard, and persevere through&nbsp;obstacles and injury, and push your body and mind&nbsp;to its&nbsp;limits? Yeah, the <a href="http://aasportsltd.com/events/race/mid-summer-tridu/" target="_blank">MidSummer Triathlon</a> was one of those races. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-apb6S2zrSUk/U-bva0VM4UI/AAAAAAAAAPY/K7S5TM8kxQw/s1600/IMG950319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-apb6S2zrSUk/U-bva0VM4UI/AAAAAAAAAPY/K7S5TM8kxQw/s1600/IMG950319.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Training:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">Tanya:</span> </b>I can't believe how blessed I have been to&nbsp;even get to the start of this race. I never dreamed I would be attempting a triathlon! Heck, I had never even ridden a road bike until six month ago! But it was destined to be. I fell in love with swimming because of reoccurring&nbsp;injuries. I fell in love with biking because I was gifted a bike. My passion for running was reignited&nbsp;through core strengthening and&nbsp;Graston Therapy&nbsp;(shout out to the fantastic crew at <a href="http://www.wpptc.com/" target="_blank">West Portland&nbsp;Physical Therapy</a>). I was&nbsp;inspired to Tri it by my Sole Sisters and challenged by my awesome triathlon training partner, the incredible&nbsp;Carissa von Koch. I was offered a entry into the Mid-Summer Olympic Triathlon for&nbsp;volunteering&nbsp;through the wonderful host company <a href="http://aasportsltd.com/" target="_blank">AA Sports</a>... and on to the race I went!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">Carissa:</span>&nbsp;</b>I kept my training simple for this triathlon. &nbsp;My goal was to be prepared to cover the distance. &nbsp;Every week I aimed to be in the pool once for 1500 meters. &nbsp;I spent two days a week cycling. &nbsp;One of the days I took a one hour spin class the other day I cycled outside 25-28 miles, often with Tanya. Three days a week I ran, not because I needed to train that much for the triathlon but because I was considering a fall marathon. &nbsp;Two of my runs were mid distance (5-8 miles). &nbsp;One run was longer (10-12 miles). &nbsp;I really enjoyed training like this. &nbsp;The mix kept me injury free and mentally fresh. &nbsp;On race day I felt competent and comfortable.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qcip_TXQ4JI/U-pyBrLgW8I/AAAAAAAAArk/aSETaanE_Xk/s1600/IMG_4469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qcip_TXQ4JI/U-pyBrLgW8I/AAAAAAAAArk/aSETaanE_Xk/s1600/IMG_4469.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All marked up</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Race Day Swim and T1</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">Tanya:&nbsp;</span></b><b style="color: magenta;">Swim: 32:17,&nbsp;</b><span style="color: magenta;"><b>T1: 2:52</b></span><b><span style="color: magenta;">: </span></b>After Carissa and I had taken all of the distances head on, including some brick bike/run sessions, some crazy choppy open water swims in the Willamette, and one sighting training at Blue Lake, I was confident&nbsp;in my ability in all three disciplines. The week leading up to the race I was so excited but also really calm!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There is something really peaceful to me about swimming so I was excited to start&nbsp;a race with a swim. On race day as Carissa and I looked out onto all of the&nbsp;colored buoys&nbsp;in Blue Lake&nbsp;indicating&nbsp;all of the swim distances, we concurred&nbsp;that the&nbsp;ridiculously far placed pink buoys must indicate the edge of the&nbsp;swimming area where&nbsp;racers would know not to go beyond. However as the race started we found that as Olympic racers we were to go around the pink buoys! Fortunately for me,&nbsp;my calm demeanor remained from the moment I stepped into&nbsp;the water&nbsp;until the moment I stepped out, setting the stage for the remainder of the race.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even though I had some trouble finding my strap to unzip my wetsuit I didn't let that setback stop me from doing a little shimmy with the Hawaiian drummers ushering my way into the transition area! (What can I say, I can't fully suppress the dancer in me!)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">Carissa:</span></b>&nbsp;<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Swim: 33:36, T1: 2:43: </b></span>&nbsp;After <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2013/09/my-first-but-not-my-last-series-33.html" target="_blank">my last triathlon</a> I had a lot to overcome in the water. &nbsp;I started my swim last year with an unexpected wave of panic and followed it up with some horrible sighting. &nbsp;This year I practiced swimming in open water and it made all of the difference on race day. &nbsp;I solicited prayers for no panic in the water and those prayers were answered. &nbsp;I did my swim in a wetsuit rented from <a href="http://www.athleteslounge.com/" target="_blank">Athletes Lounge</a>. &nbsp;The wetsuit was comfortable and worked great. &nbsp;My only gear malfunction was new goggles that I hadn't had the chance to test. &nbsp;They fogged up right away and I couldn't sight the buoys. &nbsp;Thankfully I could make out the other swimmers in front of me so I followed them.<i style="color: red;">&nbsp; </i>Though I was by no means fast on the swim I shaved close to three minutes off my previous time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Race Day Bike and T2</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">Tanya: Bike:1:18:51, T2: 1:38 -</span></b> &nbsp;I was a little surprised to see I was in transition before Carissa, however I was sure that my lead would not last long as her strengths are on the bike and definitely on the run! As I set off on my bike I felt great. I was a little concerned about riding in a crowd and being able to correctly adhere to the&nbsp;passing and&nbsp;no&nbsp;blocking or drafting rules. &nbsp;However I soon found that&nbsp;there was ample space between me and the other racers and therefore this was not an issue. At about&nbsp;mile&nbsp;six, I saw Carissa as I rounded the first turn around. &nbsp;By mile&nbsp;eight I heard her enthusiastically shout "<i>Good job Tanya! Keep it up!"</i>&nbsp;as she squashed me as roadkill!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I kept my sights on Carissa as we climbed the remainder of the way up with a hefty head wind to mile thirteen and the turn around to head back down to Blue Lake. It was then that Carissa turned on the afterburners and rode off out of sight! I on the other hand, decided to play it safe and&nbsp;let&nbsp;my legs rest on the downhill since I knew my most challenging event would be the run. I even got a little pep&nbsp;in my step as my&nbsp;husband and boys were waiting for me outside the transition area and cheered me onto to start of my run!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">Carissa: Bike:1:15:26, T2: 1:23 -</span></b> &nbsp;Out of the water and through transition, I was excited to be on the bike. &nbsp;With my weakest sport behind me it was time to chase down some of those people who out-swam me. &nbsp;My biggest concern on the bike was safety and any type of equipment malfunction. &nbsp;I enjoyed racing a flat course and was able to pass a few riders. &nbsp;Once I was no longer riding into a headwind I picked up my speed for the return. &nbsp;My heart was full of gratitude finishing up this second leg. &nbsp;Everything was falling into place for a great race.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Race Day Run and Finish</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">Tanya: Run: 50:17:</span></b> I knew it was going to be a hot day and because&nbsp;the Olympic racers started last, we ran at a really hot part of the day. Therefore, I erred on the side of overhydrating and running with my fuel belt containing extra water and electrolyte fuel just in case. I am really happy with my decision, although I felt like I had to pee almost the entire 10k!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At about mile&nbsp;2.5 my mind said to me, "<i>It's so hot, why don't you just walk a bit?</i>" but I refused to concede. To keep&nbsp;things interesting I asked the water station aids to launch the water at me instead of handing it to me. &nbsp;I got a kick out of seeing their faces. Apparently that is not something they are asked to do often!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just before the out-and-back turnaround, I saw&nbsp;a woman ahead of me from my running club. She is a strong runner and I knew that if I could keep her in my sights I'd be able to a keep a good pace. (I didn't have a watch or any other electronic timing device on me).&nbsp;As I came back into the park I&nbsp;was once again energized by the people along the course. I saw the finish line and all of my favorite people there cheering me in... the huge smile on my face tells exactly how I felt as I gave it all I had in my sprint to the finish!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">God certainly had my back for this race from His peaceful calm that surrounded me the entire time to the fact that when I went to put my bike away right after the race my back tire was completely flat, but lasted me through the entire biking stage! I just have to praise God once again for my health,&nbsp;the ability to race and for this wonderful experience. I felt great after this race and had energy for days! I am hooked on running, biking and swimming and I will definitely be Tri'ing it again!</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TXwPHa2uJY/U-bvJg5SEgI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/DoaV4BJQNcY/s1600/IMG_62667252313238.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TXwPHa2uJY/U-bvJg5SEgI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/DoaV4BJQNcY/s1600/IMG_62667252313238.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">Carissa: Run: 47:34:</span></b>&nbsp;Once I was off the bike and onto my run I had two thoughts: perhaps I went a little too hard on the bike (legs were stiff and uncooperative) and this is going to be one hot run! &nbsp;The day had heated up and my legs were fatigued from the bike so I aimed to keep an even pace that would sustain me through 6.2 miles. &nbsp;Without music to distract and motivate me I passed the miles encouraging other runners. &nbsp;At the half way point I passed another runner who tucked in behind me. &nbsp;She surprised me by hanging at my heels for the rest of the run (I assume drafting off of me) and offering encouragement. &nbsp;It really helped me stay mentally focused in those hot long miles. &nbsp;At the end I heard her pick it up to a sprint so of course I had to beat her across the finish.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Aside from foggy goggles I tried out some other new gear this race, all purchased from Athletes Lounge. &nbsp;Most important was my first kit (a top and shorts combo made for triathlons.) &nbsp;I tried on three different kits and found the one by Coeur (<a href="http://www.athleteslounge.com/product/coeur-sports-tri-tank-womens-3480.htm" target="_blank">top</a>/<a href="http://www.athleteslounge.com/product/coeur-sports-tri-short-womens-3481.htm" target="_blank">bottom</a>) to be beautifully designed and especially comfortable. &nbsp;I broke the never-wear-something-on-race-day-you-haven't-tested-first rule and had no regrets. &nbsp;I also tried a <a href="http://www.athleteslounge.com/product/athletes-lounge-race-belt-2428.htm" target="_blank">race belt</a> for my bib. &nbsp;This could be user error but it was all over the place on my run. &nbsp;Next time I will wear it tighter. Lastly, I bought a timing chip band as some timing chip straps can chafe the ankle. &nbsp;This was comfortable and worked great.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ktkhJ6glFCw/U-qSjAlRceI/AAAAAAAAAr0/hVFOwHDdTMY/s1600/IMG_4470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ktkhJ6glFCw/U-qSjAlRceI/AAAAAAAAAr0/hVFOwHDdTMY/s1600/IMG_4470.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modeling my new kit before the race</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">Carissa's overall time:</span></b> 2:40:43, 3rd place in age division</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">Tanya's overall time: </span></b>2:45:56, 6th place in age division</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Tanya Corkumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127178808503246347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-59119045237614269352014-08-04T22:56:00.000-07:002014-08-14T19:29:08.962-07:00The Winds and Waves Surround Me - My Open Water Swim Across Boy Lakeby Jodi<br /><br />Those of you who have read our blog for any amount of time know my battle with fear in the water. &nbsp;When I was a kid, I got trapped between a rock and a fallen log in strong rapids on a raging river. &nbsp;I've been terrified of drowning ever since.<br /><br />I spent most of 2009 learning how to swim with my face in the water. &nbsp;It took me weeks to link more than two laps together consecutively. &nbsp;Putting my face in the water induced panic. &nbsp;Watching the bottom of the pool drop out induced panic. &nbsp;Another swimmer creating a wake or accidentally smacking me induced panic. <b>The only thing that kept me swimming was my desire to not let fear win. &nbsp;</b><br /><br />The panic is irrational and unpredictable. &nbsp;Even when I'm freaking out, the logical side of my brain speaks truth to the lies. &nbsp;I've learned some tools to calm myself down and have great compassion for people who struggle with anxiety and panic on a daily basis. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rw32YyrtaDM/U9kZ8pu7oKI/AAAAAAAACf8/VAePMtg405s/s1600/IMG_5583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rw32YyrtaDM/U9kZ8pu7oKI/AAAAAAAACf8/VAePMtg405s/s1600/IMG_5583.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">trying to work up the courage to get in the water last summer</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a name='more'></a>I completed my first olympic-distance triathlon in <a href="http://jodistilp.blogspot.com/2010/08/happy-ending.html">2010</a> and then did another one last <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2013/09/swim-bike-run-series-33-triathlon.html">summer</a>. &nbsp;Both times, I had a panic attack in the water and <a href="http://jodistilp.blogspot.com/2013/09/in-water-finding-courage-in-times-of.html">almost quit</a>. &nbsp;Even though I was equipped as a swimmer to cover the distance all I could think about was getting out of the water. &nbsp;I was an emotional wreck the second my feet touched the sand.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-GAJbAxC6c/U9kYYeHbO4I/AAAAAAAACfw/oOVk0fBba94/s1600/Finishing+the+swim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-GAJbAxC6c/U9kYYeHbO4I/AAAAAAAACfw/oOVk0fBba94/s1600/Finishing+the+swim.jpg" height="320" width="277" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finishing the swim of my first triathlon with my best friend by my side</td></tr></tbody></table>This spring the Sole Sisters started talking about training for a tri. &nbsp;I bought a pool pass and timidly got back in the water. &nbsp;I never like putting my face in the water. &nbsp;Ever. &nbsp;But once I got in, the first two training swims were fine. &nbsp;Hooray for progress.<br /><br />Then I had a terrible swim. Kurt, the lifeguard who has helped me a ton, could tell I was struggling. &nbsp;He offered me some tips, but I never pulled it together. &nbsp;I quit after 20 minutes. &nbsp;<b>It was the first time I've let fear get the best of me when I was swimming.</b> &nbsp;It rattled me.<br /><br />I was so upset about quitting that I went back to the pool a few hours later and tried again. &nbsp;I equipped myself mentally to kick some swimming butt, but instead fought the same battle. I couldn't find a rhythm. &nbsp;Freaked out about everything. &nbsp;And basically flailed around in the water for thirty more minutes. &nbsp;The afternoon lifeguard actually asked me if I was okay after I got out. &nbsp;Apparently my anxiety was etched all over my face and my erratic form.<br /><br />Tanya and Carissa picked a triathlon, but it didn't work for my schedule. &nbsp;I thought I was off the hook for an open water swim, but my husband wanted to do an open water swim on summer vacation. <br /><br />His parents have a cabin in Northern Minnesota on Boy Lake. &nbsp;To swim across it would be .75 miles, less than an olympic-distance triathlon but still a long distance. &nbsp;I agreed to swim with him, but only if his brother drove a boat next to us so I could quit when I started freaking out. How's that for self-defeating thinking?<br /><br />We got to the cabin and I saw how far it was to the other side. The water underneath the surface was murky and weedy and the kids were catching fish right off the dock. &nbsp;I mentally checked out of doing the swim. &nbsp;I figured I'd swim a few lengths, get in the boat, and cheer Curt on.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zY002SdKhxg/U9kbKyuULsI/AAAAAAAACgM/eRWOvI2cCrs/s1600/IMG_9123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zY002SdKhxg/U9kbKyuULsI/AAAAAAAACgM/eRWOvI2cCrs/s1600/IMG_9123.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the cabin when we arrived. &nbsp;We swam to the land on the other side.</td></tr></tbody></table>The morning of our swim I ran ten miles. &nbsp;It was hot, humid, and the mosquitos and deer flies were relentless in their pursuit of my blood. &nbsp;I was a sweaty mess by the time I got back to the cabin. &nbsp;Within minutes Curt asked me if I was ready to go for our swim and my stomach instantly balled up with anxiety.<br /><br />SIDENOTE: &nbsp;by finishing first at the Keizer Marathon in May, I won $50. &nbsp;I used my marathon winnings to buy myself a real "swimming suit" hoping it made me faster in the water. &nbsp;Talk about from first to worst...<br /><br />I put on my new swimming suit, goggles, and swim cap and gingerly walked down to the end of the dock. The wind was whipping the water into a churning mess. &nbsp;I have never gone swimming in such choppy water and had no desire to try. &nbsp;I almost didn't.<br /><br />But my sister-in-law Lara rode along in the boat and she encouraged me as I stood tentatively looking at the water. <br /><br /><i>"You've got this Jods. &nbsp;It's going to be okay. &nbsp;I'm praying for you. &nbsp;We'll be right here if you need help. &nbsp;Just try."</i><br /><i><br /></i>When I was running, a song called <i><a href="http://bethelmusic.com/chords/i-can-feel-you/">I Can Feel You</a> </i>by Jenn Johnson came on my iPod that has meant a lot to me. &nbsp;It talks about Jesus bringing calm to the storms of life. &nbsp;Of course it's metaphorical, but I was looking at literal water that was choppy and stormy and about to immerse myself in it. &nbsp;I prayed. &nbsp;Then jumped in the water.<br /><br />Curt and I started slow. &nbsp;Stroke, stroke, breathe. &nbsp;Stroke, stroke, breathe. &nbsp;Chad and Lara drove next to us in the boat.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J8_lbZCjtEI/U9kbjPIx8CI/AAAAAAAACgU/wKio6E4iKD8/s1600/IMG_9178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J8_lbZCjtEI/U9kbjPIx8CI/AAAAAAAACgU/wKio6E4iKD8/s1600/IMG_9178.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><br />Lake weeds grow from the bottom of the lake up. &nbsp;Even though Boy Lake is deep, it took a LONG time of swimming to get out of the weeds. &nbsp;They were just inches below me and I kept thinking I was going to get my feet tangled in them. &nbsp;And I was worried about the fish and the leeches and everything else that lives and grow in the lake.<br /><br />Once we swam out of the weeds, the water got super choppy. The waves enveloped us and pushed us up and down. &nbsp;It was tough to swim. <br /><br />I kept up the slow and steady rhythm. &nbsp;When I stopped to spot myself, I was actually swimming straight. &nbsp;I never do that. &nbsp;The little white house on the other side slowly got larger and larger. &nbsp;I was actually swimming across this lake.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pMoY3KhqSZw/U9kbw9OuJWI/AAAAAAAACgc/MFeit4a0Y_M/s1600/IMG_9177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pMoY3KhqSZw/U9kbw9OuJWI/AAAAAAAACgc/MFeit4a0Y_M/s1600/IMG_9177.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">making progress in my "swimming suit."</td></tr></tbody></table>I kept waiting to panic - to wave the white flag and jump in the boat. &nbsp;But praise Jesus - it never came. &nbsp;<b>For the first time ever, I swam in open water without a panic attack!&nbsp;</b><br /><br />Stroke, stroke, breathe. &nbsp;<i>"The winds and waves surround me. I'm tossed, feel like I'm drowning. I am tired I am weak. &nbsp;I need you here with me. "</i><br /><br />Stroke, stroke, breathe. &nbsp;"<i>Cause I can feel the rising tide. &nbsp;And I don't have the strength to fight. &nbsp;I feel clouded and confused. &nbsp;I need you here with me."</i><br /><i><br /></i>Stroke, stroke, breathe. &nbsp;<i>"In the chaos of the storm I have drifted far, far away. &nbsp;But I call out your name cause you are just a breath, a breath away."</i><br /><br />Stroke, stroke, breathe. &nbsp;<i>"Then through the shadows, your Light appears. &nbsp;I've known you're with me but now it is clear. &nbsp;I can feel you Jesus all around."</i><br /><br />Stroke, stroke, breathe. &nbsp;<i>"Like sun on my skin, warm to the touch. &nbsp;Here you surround me and I am held by love. &nbsp;I can feel you, Jesus, all around."</i><br /><br />Stroke, stroke, breathe. &nbsp;<b style="font-style: italic;">"Now hope is rushing through my veins, with everything you've rearranged. &nbsp;I am peaceful I am brave when you're here with me."</b><br /><br />All the way to the other side of the lake.<br /><i><br /></i>On July 18th, 2014, I physically lived out this metaphorical picture of how intimately and beautifully Jesus loves me and I am so grateful.<br /><br />Sole Sister, if you are struggling - drowning in the chaos of the storm - may I encourage you to find rest in the arms of The One who loves you deeply and intimately? &nbsp;Let Him rescue you and bring hope, peace and courage to your darkness.<br /><br />With all my love,<br /><br />JodiJodi Stilphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04329375455810397582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-24345151902046927062014-06-23T22:53:00.000-07:002014-06-23T22:53:23.577-07:00My Turn To TRI It!By Tanya<br /><br />Isn't it funny how once you gain a new perspective on something your whole attitude towards it can change?<br /><br />Like when I was first told that people in their right mind run for 26.2 miles and I swore up and down that I would never want to run for 4+ hours! Yet, after watching my husband's cousin conquer her first marathon a spark within me was ignited to know what that would feel like. <br /><br />I also remember the first time I saw my brother ride a road bicycle and I thought there is no way you'd ever find me with my feet stuck in clips to a skinny wheeled death trap like that.<br /><br />Or how my whole life I have been grossed out by open bodies of water and have never had the&nbsp;nerve to jump right in and swim with the fishes, among other&nbsp;ungodly things you might find in there.<br /><br />Needless to say, for me,&nbsp;the idea of a triathlon was never on my wish list, nor was it even on my radar. A couple of years ago all I knew of a Triathlon was the Ironman in Kona.&nbsp;A swim, bike and running race of such extreme distances and conditions that only the most athletically fit or&nbsp;mentally insane would even attempt it. But last summer that all changed.<br /><br />My Sole&nbsp;Sisters&nbsp;Carissa&nbsp;and Jodi decided to train for a&nbsp;triathlon - <a href="http://my%20first%20but%20not%20my%20last-series%2033%20olympic%20triathlon%20vancouver/" target="_blank">Carissa for her first</a> and <a href="http://swim.%20bike.%20run.%20-%20series%2033%20triathlon%20vancouver/" target="_blank">Jodi for her second.</a> I started to see the triathlon in a whole new light. I learned there are many different distances and courses you can compete on.&nbsp;You can finish an entire Sprint triathlon in only a few hours and some triathlons even have their swimming staged in a pool! As I rooted on my Sole Sisters in their triathlon, the thought popped into my brain that I'd like to TRI it!<br /><br />My running injury&nbsp;last year&nbsp;brought me to the pool&nbsp;more frequently,&nbsp;and I&nbsp;found that I started to love to swim.&nbsp;My growing confidence in the water prompted me to take on my fear and disgust of open bodies of water by joining Carissa the week before her triathlon on her<a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2014/01/my-toolbox-is-full-its-time-to-build.html" target="_blank"> training swim in Klineline Pond</a>.&nbsp;The day of their triathlon I ran the 10k portion on my own while waiting for Carissa and Jodi to finish the bike. I could tell my legs were on their way to recovery. <br /><br />The last unknown factor of the triathlon was the bike. I have never been much of a bike rider. The only bike rides&nbsp;I had been on were&nbsp;occasional family rides. I did a few spin classes at the gym and enjoyed them however, I could never find a truly comfortable position and cadence on those bikes. &nbsp;As a result my back would always end up hurting after class. <br /><br />I joined Carissa a couple of times on her training rides and could tell there was a big difference in the effort she expended on her&nbsp;road bike as opposed to me on my hybrid. Also, if you know anything about me, you know&nbsp;I am extremely cheap. I knew from researching bicycles a few years ago that they are expensive to buy and maintain. I just wasn't will to fork over the money to buy a quality road bike and all the equipment that goes along with it for something that I may not&nbsp;even enjoy.<br /><br />So I did what I always do when stuck with conflicting desires. I prayed.&nbsp;First I thanked God for the blessing of healing and the gift of health. That a triathlon was even a possibility for me was a huge answer to prayer. I told God the conflict I felt&nbsp;to continue to challenge myself&nbsp;physically and have new experiences vs. my desire to remain faithful to my family with my time, attention and monetary resources.<br /><br />My prayers were answered when I was given a road bike free of charge! My mom's friend, who races in triathlons, was getting a new bike and he&nbsp;wanted to "just get rid of the old one." It worked out wonderfully as he is not much bigger than me&nbsp;and&nbsp;the bike fit me really well, so he very generously gave it to me. What a huge blessing!<br /><br />The first thing I did was call up Carissa and ask for her to show me the ropes on a road bike.&nbsp;I have to admit I was pretty nervous the first couple of times being clipped to my skinny wheeled deathtrap. But after a&nbsp;few tiny falls and a lot of prayers I started to get comfortable and actually began to enjoy it! My bike and I are muy simpatico now. I have taken to calling it KC, after two amazing athletes I know who inspire me, but also because I feel like a Kamikaze Chicken when I ride&nbsp;it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDUl-LVnDoU/U6Ed7I3IjNI/AAAAAAAAAOE/ThWELzZqytE/s1600/IMG_4010.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDUl-LVnDoU/U6Ed7I3IjNI/AAAAAAAAAOE/ThWELzZqytE/s1600/IMG_4010.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OGW2P6r11Ac/U6EeD0MrgrI/AAAAAAAAAOM/c56KUvCZK-I/s1600/IMG_4111.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OGW2P6r11Ac/U6EeD0MrgrI/AAAAAAAAAOM/c56KUvCZK-I/s1600/IMG_4111.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br />I am not one to really follow a training schedule but I did read a few triathlon books to get a sense of the types of training I should do. I found that I should be biking&nbsp;about 60% of the time, so I have tried to get out and bike as much as possible. This week I joined my sole sister Jodi for a fun long&nbsp;ride out through the countryside in Newberg Oregon. It was our first ride together and we had a great time! There is no better way to catch up with a friend than during a&nbsp;good sweaty two hour exercise session!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9SCGGm18Ync/U6kMkRfc_9I/AAAAAAAAAOc/n97vpPI4ypU/s1600/IMAG1823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9SCGGm18Ync/U6kMkRfc_9I/AAAAAAAAAOc/n97vpPI4ypU/s1600/IMAG1823.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qFDYo_iK5kQ/U6kMrFLtJUI/AAAAAAAAAOk/qEktxadAP3Q/s1600/IMAG1825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qFDYo_iK5kQ/U6kMrFLtJUI/AAAAAAAAAOk/qEktxadAP3Q/s1600/IMAG1825.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div><br />I am still swimming and core training two days a week as well as going on one 10k run. But now I am also going on one long ride,&nbsp;and one ride/run weekly. Through it all my body has done really well. I never feel exhausted after a hard training session and my body has not been getting tight and locking up. I think it likes changing it up between the three disciplines. <br /><br />I am not sure at this time which triathlon I'll do this summer.&nbsp;My plan for now is to continue to tri train with shorter but stronger runs, getting on the bike as much as possible, and getting out of my comfort zone on open water swims so I'll be ready if and when one fits my schedule.<br /><br /><b>Pretty amazing stuff from a girl who once&nbsp;found it hard to run&nbsp;three miles, but now finds it hard to run anything less.</b> <strong>I have found that patience and perspective go hand in hand. We&nbsp;are often much more capable than we give ourselves credit&nbsp;for, it just takes the right time and situation for us to realize it.</strong><br /><strong>Its all about having an open mind and the courage to try new things!</strong>Tanya Corkumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127178808503246347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-58244445102808532362014-06-12T16:10:00.000-07:002014-06-30T07:58:11.653-07:00Parenting Endurance<div style="text-align: justify;">By Carissa</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zNhBaqstQT0/U5oUf3Nn8HI/AAAAAAAAAq8/8I_DrdsXM2w/s1600/IMG_4143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zNhBaqstQT0/U5oUf3Nn8HI/AAAAAAAAAq8/8I_DrdsXM2w/s1600/IMG_4143.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a>I’ve been training at high intensity but it’s not the kind of training you would expect. &nbsp;I’ve been running a race, a marathon of sorts without even lacing up my shoes. &nbsp;My race is the kind Paul talks of in Romans 12:1, “<i>And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.</i>” &nbsp;My marathon is the race of life.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My heart longs to share with you openly why I have been training with intensity and yet my story is the kind that gets shared over a cup of coffee not a running blog.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Running has fallen to the bottom of my list. &nbsp;Seasons like this have a way of stripping away free time and hobbies. &nbsp;Instead I “train” when I go to doctors’ appointments, stock up on parenting books, rebuild our tool box with better systems, and learn from those who have walked this road ahead of us. &nbsp;My “training partners” are the friends and family that are faithfully lifting my family and I up in prayer.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RqKBuUUGQ8w/U5oUtSkteUI/AAAAAAAAArE/7m6bo0dB01I/s1600/IMG_4144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RqKBuUUGQ8w/U5oUtSkteUI/AAAAAAAAArE/7m6bo0dB01I/s1600/IMG_4144.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While I haven’t been training for a race, the change has opened me up to some experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise. &nbsp;Some of my best running buddies have been training for half and full marathons. &nbsp;Without any schedule to keep I’ve been able to tag along on their training runs. &nbsp;I’m remembering my first love: long slow runs with a friend. &nbsp;I’m not sure there’s anything better than being able to talk at length and work up a good sweat.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have also been free to do more cross training. &nbsp;When my husband wants to go for a hike, walk or short run I join him. &nbsp;I have made it to spin class weekly and have enjoyed being back on my bike. &nbsp;I also checked out the workout DVD selection at my local library and picked up anything that I found interesting.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7TrVvzibgR0/U5oU-MTCnCI/AAAAAAAAArM/QDmj2R4nEOg/s1600/IMG_4145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7TrVvzibgR0/U5oU-MTCnCI/AAAAAAAAArM/QDmj2R4nEOg/s1600/IMG_4145.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It has been a blessing. &nbsp;A change of pace that needed to happen. &nbsp;My clothes fit a bit tighter but I’m healthy, active and devoting my first and best time to the needs of my family. &nbsp;</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tanya sent Jodi and I an email a while back that ended like this:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><i>"Good luck on your marathon this weekend Jodi, you know I’m one of your biggest fans and I’ll be cheering you on!</i><br /><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Good luck on your marathon of parenting Carissa. &nbsp;You know I am one of your biggest fans and I am always cheering you on!"</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My Sole Sisters truly are there to “run” through life with me. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We’d love to hear from you Sole Sisters...Has a hard season in life had an impact on your running? &nbsp;</div>Carissa @ Sole Sisters Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809725240498822356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-58341060037396318822014-05-30T08:11:00.000-07:002014-09-15T11:38:18.107-07:00Settling the Score - Keizer Iris Festival Marathon by Jodi<br /><br />On May 18th, 2014, I ran my fifth marathon. &nbsp;Four times previous to this race I've run 26.2 miles. &nbsp;<b>Every single time the distance crumbled me</b>. &nbsp;I didn't think I could cover this distance strong. <br /><br /><a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2014/04/derailed-by-dehydration-orrc-vernonia.html">The Marathon</a>&nbsp;thoroughly defeated me&nbsp;in Vernonia. &nbsp;When I was crumpled on the field at the finish of that race I didn't think I ever wanted to run another one again. &nbsp;But I'm enough of a competitor that as soon as I started recovering from the dehydration I knew I couldn't just roll over and let The Marathon win. &nbsp;I had to settle the score.<br /><br />A quick Google search revealed a marathon practically in my backyard - the inaugural running of the&nbsp;<a href="http://irisfestival.com/runs/">Keizer Iris Festival Marathon</a>. &nbsp;It was five weeks out - a pretty quick turnaround for someone who runs marathons at a rate of one every twenty four months. &nbsp;But this marathon intrigued me.<br /><ul><li>It was the first year the Iris Festival was hosting a full marathon. &nbsp;I loved the idea of being a part of the inaugural running of the race. &nbsp;</li><li>I prefer country running to city running any day and was immediately drawn to the out-and-back course through rolling farmland in the lush Willamette Valley. &nbsp;Beautiful views were a guarantee.</li><li>Even though I'm not a morning person I liked the early 7 a.m. race start. &nbsp;I could be home by lunch time and not have the race consume the entire day. &nbsp;</li><li>Small town races lack the glitz, glamour, and crowd appeal of big city races, but they are charming. &nbsp;Racers who would go unnoticed in giant races are celebrated in the small ones. &nbsp;There's something appealing about that.</li><li>It's easier to find your loved one on the course and offer encouragement in smaller races.</li><li>It was affordable. &nbsp;At $60, the Keizer Iris Festival marathon was cheaper than most half marathons I've run.</li></ul>When I told my brother I was thinking of running another marathon he said, "<i>Those of us afflicted with the Stupid Gene think those kind of thoughts.</i>" After I laughed, I registered - less than a week after the disaster in Vernonia and with only four weeks to train.<br /><br />I only told a few of my close running buddies what I was up to and didn't post anything on social media. &nbsp;While I appreciate all the support from our Sole Sisters and my friends, this race felt like my private battle with the marathon. &nbsp;I wanted a sneak attack. <br /><br /><b><u>RACE STRATEGY</u></b><br />My one and only goal for this race was to run strong and steady all 26.2 miles. &nbsp;I didn't think it was possible for me to sprint across the finish line of a marathon but I was determined to try. &nbsp;I scrapped my time goals and focused on conserving enough energy to finish well.<br /><br />My buddy Ruth and I ran 20 miles of the Keizer race course. &nbsp;Very little of the course was flat by Midwestern standards. &nbsp;Most of it was rolling hills with quite a few hairpin turns. &nbsp;I killed a toenail on my downhill foot from running at an incline around corner after corner. &nbsp;There were three big hills. &nbsp;All of them were under a half mile long and weren't ridiculously steep but they were hills and would take some effort to climb. &nbsp;The last big climb was at mile 18. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-buXxsDpL4fs/U4gOjricgZI/AAAAAAAACQ4/njQLWwPvPzs/s1600/IMG_8113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-buXxsDpL4fs/U4gOjricgZI/AAAAAAAACQ4/njQLWwPvPzs/s1600/IMG_8113.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruth and I on our 20 mile training run</td></tr></tbody></table>My race strategy after seeing the course was this: &nbsp;Start out SLOW and give myself five miles to fall into a steady pace. &nbsp;Once I found that pace, I hoped to hold it to the top of last hill just past Mile 18. &nbsp;After cresting the hill I hoped to either maintain the steady pace or try to take it up a notch through the finish.<br /><br />I also worked harder on being mentally strong. &nbsp;In the week before the race I wrote out three passages from the Bible focused on endurance and running and taped them on my cupboards and the bathroom mirror. &nbsp;The one I meditated on most was from Philippians 4. &nbsp;<i>"Forgetting what is behind (Vernonia) and straining toward what is ahead (Keizer), I press on toward the goal to win the prize."</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><b><u>GEAR</u></b><br />Originally I was going to wear my Nike running shorts with an old <a href="http://www.skirtsports.com/shop/product.cfm/id/3013-Race-Belt-Skirt#.U4efDxYnLiM">Skirt Sport race belt skirt</a>. &nbsp;But it was cold and raining before the race so I switched to my <a href="http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/epic-lux-printed-running-capris/pid-830297">Nike Epic Lux capris</a> right before the race started. &nbsp;Thankfully I did not regret switching to warmer clothes on the bottom.<br /><br />I wore my&nbsp;<a href="http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/air-pegasus-30-running-shoe/pid-920353/pgid-745931">Nike Pegasus</a>&nbsp;running shoes and <a href="https://www.thorlo.com/socks/xwcu/745">Thorlo Experia Multi-Activity socks</a>. &nbsp;My feet felt cushioned the entire run and I didn't lose any toenails or get any blisters - a first for me in a marathon. &nbsp;These Thorlo socks are worth every penny!<br /><br />On top I wore my <a href="https://www.handful.com/shop/handful-bras/adjustable-handful-bra">Sky's the Limit Blue Adjustable Handful bra</a>, my <a href="http://www.skirtsports.com/shop/product.cfm/id/9000-Arm-Warmers#.U4egBxYnLiM">Skirt Sport arm warmers </a>and <a href="http://www.skirtsports.com/shop/product.cfm/id/SCRC05-Skirt-Chaser-Visor#.U4egPRYnLiM">visor</a>, and a very old Champion tank top. &nbsp;I seldom race without my <a href="http://www.mountainhardwear.com/womens-momentum-running-glove-OL4701.html">Mountain Hardware Momentum Running Gloves</a>&nbsp;so they came along for the ride too. &nbsp;The arm warmers came off by mile four and my gloves were on and off throughout the race, but other than that I dressed appropriately for the weather.<br /><br /><b><u>THE RACE</u></b><br />Curt and I decided to experience this marathon together from start to finish. &nbsp;We left the kids at home and he brought his bike so he could ride along the course with me. &nbsp;It was cold and wet the morning of the race. &nbsp;Bursts of heavy rain showers mixed with a steady drizzle as we drove to the start. &nbsp;We thought we were going to be really wet, really fast. &nbsp;But the rain stopped a few minutes before the race started and a nice cloud cover kept the sun hidden. &nbsp;With the exception of a short rain shower at mile 24 and some wind gust from mile 21-24, the racing conditions were ideal.<br /><br />The field of racers was TINY. &nbsp;With only 38 finishers, it was a cozy start and made getting to know the other competitors much easier. &nbsp;It will be fun to see how this race grows over time.<br /><br />My first mile was an 8:12 - a great warm up pace. &nbsp;Mile Three dipped into the 7 minute range so I slowed down. &nbsp;I wanted to run a conservative first half, not getting to the turnaround point until 1:45 or 1:46. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5BUGpPzIvs/U4gQmC-UsHI/AAAAAAAACRM/tM9IJTBJgxM/s1600/IMG_8453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5BUGpPzIvs/U4gQmC-UsHI/AAAAAAAACRM/tM9IJTBJgxM/s1600/IMG_8453.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mile 2</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I started passing people somewhere around mile 5. &nbsp;It made me feel good that I'm not the only runner who often goes out too fast in a race.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aMSScw7m1BU/U4gQ1zepH4I/AAAAAAAACRs/Qy5gWKEqpjA/s1600/IMG_8454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aMSScw7m1BU/U4gQ1zepH4I/AAAAAAAACRs/Qy5gWKEqpjA/s1600/IMG_8454.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mile 5</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The first big hill was during mile 8. &nbsp;I made it up and down with no problem.<br /><br />At mile 10 I caught up to another girl. &nbsp;She was YOUNG! &nbsp;Her name was Brooklyn and she had just turned fifteen years old. &nbsp;We ran together for the next three miles. &nbsp;Her parents were following her in their car and cheering her on. &nbsp;We shared a big hug at the finish and she ran her race in under four hours! &nbsp;It was fun to be a part of Brooklyn's first marathon story. <br /><br />The second big hill came just before the turnaround spot. &nbsp;Once I crested the hill I saw the leaders coming back. &nbsp;A handful of men and then the first woman. &nbsp;She looked good and was about a half mile in front of me. &nbsp;The next woman was me. &nbsp;I had second place in a marathon locked down if I could hold my pace. &nbsp;YEE-HAW!<br /><br />My Garmin said 1:46:37 at the turnaround. &nbsp;A little slower than I wanted but overall pretty close to my target pace. &nbsp;I kept telling myself, <i>"There is a LOT of race left. &nbsp;Stay strong. &nbsp;Maybe the girl in the lead will get tired and you can pass her."</i><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNTiBIuSq7Q/U4gQ2YNoiZI/AAAAAAAACRw/0vm-oHkEpGo/s1600/IMG_8455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNTiBIuSq7Q/U4gQ2YNoiZI/AAAAAAAACRw/0vm-oHkEpGo/s1600/IMG_8455.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mile 14</td></tr></tbody></table>One pitfall of tiny races is sustaining your mental mojo. &nbsp;It's hard to feel like you're racing and keep pushing the pace when you're all alone on the road. &nbsp;At Mile 16 I stopped to pee. &nbsp;Hooray for hydrating properly but BOO that it added a minute to my time.<br /><br />Curt was AH-MAZING! &nbsp;He continues to steal my heart over and over again. &nbsp;He rode his bike all 26.2 miles of the marathon course offering encouragement not just to me but to all the runners on the course. &nbsp;He had a kind word for every racer and their family cheering them on. &nbsp;Everybody loved him.<br /><br />Curt was my Water Sherpa. &nbsp;My Gear Carrier and Garbage Collector. &nbsp;My Encourager and Biggest Fan. At Mile 14 he started telling stories - one after another, mostly of his boyhood shenanigans. &nbsp;He could sense when I was getting tired and in those moments, he prayed for me. &nbsp;Out loud and with passion. &nbsp;He asked God to give my legs fresh energy and my mind new strength. &nbsp;And then he hauled out some 3x5 cards. &nbsp;He had written down the three Bible passages I was meditating on and read them to me as I ran. &nbsp;His thoughtful kindness brought me to tears. &nbsp;How did I get so lucky?<br /><br />I was worried about climbing the hill at Mile 18. &nbsp;But something inside took over and I flew up it like it was flat as a pancake. &nbsp;I couldn't believe when I looked up and I was already at the top!<br /><br />I slowed down a bit in Miles 22 through 24. &nbsp;It was wide open with enough wind to make holding the pace challenging. &nbsp;I could see some of the guy leaders in the distance but not the first place woman. &nbsp;I had been hoping I could gain on her and run her down at the end, but she was nowhere in sight. &nbsp;It was discouraging and it reflected in my pace.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QFlrdcJT6iU/U4gQ1QNT-3I/AAAAAAAACRk/oxVRd2twTEQ/s1600/IMG_8452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QFlrdcJT6iU/U4gQ1QNT-3I/AAAAAAAACRk/oxVRd2twTEQ/s1600/IMG_8452.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mile 21</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ6Q-ngPZY0/U4gRtyDk-xI/AAAAAAAACR0/xHNPU7_mRmU/s1600/IMG_1948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ6Q-ngPZY0/U4gRtyDk-xI/AAAAAAAACR0/xHNPU7_mRmU/s1600/IMG_1948.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gorgeous farm on the route</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I ate my last gel at Mile 24. &nbsp;I was starting to get a bit of a stomach ache so I chose to walk through this snack break, forcing myself to eat the entire gel and wash it down with a bunch of water. &nbsp; It added 30 seconds to time but I know it was the right decision. &nbsp;A little rain shower washed off my sweaty grime and perked me up. &nbsp;I dropped my garbage on the ground (Curt stopped to pick it up for me), and shoved off to tackle the last 2.2 miles.<br /><br />From Mile 20 until the finish I kept waiting to hit The Wall. &nbsp;To burn through all my stored energy and have each step become painfully slower than the one before. &nbsp;<b>But it NEVER happened.</b> &nbsp;I ran out of the country and back into the Keizer city limits. Then caught up to some of the half marathoners who started an hour after the marathon. &nbsp;Curt was riding his bike on the other side of the street telling me how strong I was. &nbsp;How steady my pace was. How he knew I could do this. &nbsp;<b>All of a sudden I believed him.</b><br /><br />Somewhere just past Mile 25 I had A Moment. &nbsp;I still had fuel left in the tank. I had stored enough energy to pick up the pace in the last miles of a MARATHON! &nbsp;I started crying, looked across the street at Curt and said, <i>"You know this is a dream come true. &nbsp;I can't believe it!</i>"<br /><br />When I got done crying I started running faster. &nbsp;Each step got me closer to the finish and grew my confidence. Each step was faster than the last. &nbsp;My mind focused on&nbsp;<i>"Forgetting what is behind (Vernonia) and straining toward what is ahead (Keizer), I press on toward the goal to win the prize. &nbsp;</i><i>Get the prize! You're almost there." &nbsp;</i>When I took the last turn, I had .2 miles left. &nbsp;Curt bolted ahead to meet me at the finish. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I ran faster. &nbsp;When I saw the finish banner, I started sprinting. &nbsp;The impossible became reality. &nbsp;<b>I sprinted through the finish of a 26.2 mile race! </b>&nbsp;It was exhilarating.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvzYOROMlG4/U4gSLYXtCDI/AAAAAAAACSE/fO2VuuxlA0M/s1600/IMG_8382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvzYOROMlG4/U4gSLYXtCDI/AAAAAAAACSE/fO2VuuxlA0M/s1600/IMG_8382.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprinting through the finish</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOVvTYsPfYo/U4gSMLdSsyI/AAAAAAAACSQ/ni3EPAY-yeE/s1600/IMG_8383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOVvTYsPfYo/U4gSMLdSsyI/AAAAAAAACSQ/ni3EPAY-yeE/s1600/IMG_8383.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">turning off my Garmin</td></tr></tbody></table>A race official came running over, gave me a huge hug and yelled, "<b style="font-style: italic;">Congratulations! &nbsp;You're our winner!" &nbsp;</b>Curt was laughing, holding my shoulders and yelling, <i style="font-weight: bold;">"You won! &nbsp;You won!" </i>&nbsp;People were clapping and cheering, handing me flowers, a race T-shirt and one of those post-race blankets. &nbsp;I just stood there baffled. &nbsp;And then started crying. &nbsp;<i style="font-weight: bold;">"WHAT? &nbsp;I won? &nbsp;How can that be?" &nbsp;</i>But it was true. &nbsp;Oh the unexpected irony and extreme satisfaction.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-nylm7t0tQ/U4gSOeSlMDI/AAAAAAAACSg/41jV1IjExjM/s1600/IMG_8384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-nylm7t0tQ/U4gSOeSlMDI/AAAAAAAACSg/41jV1IjExjM/s1600/IMG_8384.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting my medal</td></tr></tbody></table>All I wanted to do was run strong. &nbsp;But I ended up winning. &nbsp;I have never won a race. &nbsp;To win a marathon was that much sweeter. &nbsp;My finish time of 3:36:05 was a PR and a Boston qualifying time. I still can't believe it. &nbsp;A 3:36 finish time is not a typical marathon winning time. &nbsp;It's really not even that fast. &nbsp;Which is why the irony of meditating on a verse about winning the prize is not lost on me. &nbsp; I love the stories God writes!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0YpsE9_cqwA/U4gSOwjCEpI/AAAAAAAACSk/E1b2EoPb7NA/s1600/IMG_8386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0YpsE9_cqwA/U4gSOwjCEpI/AAAAAAAACSk/E1b2EoPb7NA/s1600/IMG_8386.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what satisfaction looks like</td></tr></tbody></table>When Curt stopped to pick up my garbage at Mile 24 he looked back and saw the girl who had been in first place off in the distance. &nbsp;He didn't remember me passing her either, but he knew then that I was going to win. &nbsp;He purposely didn't tell me because he wanted me to have my finish line moment and it played out just how he wanted. &nbsp;See what I mean about being lucky to have him? (And he looks hot in his tights. &nbsp;#menintights)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0r4_Fd2J_zk/U4gSOMBlrGI/AAAAAAAACSs/CZG_6uqkU4w/s1600/IMG_8387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0r4_Fd2J_zk/U4gSOMBlrGI/AAAAAAAACSs/CZG_6uqkU4w/s1600/IMG_8387.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><br />After the race we asked the girl who had been in first what happened. On the way back, she missed the turnoff to go down the hill at Mile 18 and instead ran along the bluff into a residential area. &nbsp;How disappointing!<br /><br /><b><u>BY THE SPLITS</u></b><br />My official finish time was 3:36:05 - an 8:14 pace. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kEcsfQMddHU/U4gSJhzPTNI/AAAAAAAACSA/bPL6y6NTUBY/s1600/IMG_8357.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kEcsfQMddHU/U4gSJhzPTNI/AAAAAAAACSA/bPL6y6NTUBY/s1600/IMG_8357.PNG" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See ^^ - tiniest race ever</td></tr></tbody></table>My Garmin read 3:36:06 and 26.55 miles. &nbsp;I felt those extra .3 miles! &nbsp;Here's my race by the splits:<br /><br /><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-insideh-themecolor: text1; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid black; mso-border-insidev-themecolor: text1; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 191;"> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td style="border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 1: 8:12</div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 14: 7:43<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 2: 8:05</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 15: 8:00<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 3: 7:52</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 16: 9:00 (potty stop)<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 4: 8:04</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 17: 8:03<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 5: 8:03</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 18: 8:14 (last big climb)<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 6: 8:06</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 19: 8:37 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>(walked a bit to gel)<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 7: 8:23 (no idea why this was slow)</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 20: 8:05<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 8: 8:07 (first hill climb)</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 21: 8:05<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 9: 7:36</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 22: 8:20<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 9;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 10: 7:56</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 23: 8:27<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 10;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 11: 7:55</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 24: 8:19<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 11;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 12: 7:53</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 25: 9:04 (walked to take last gel)<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 12;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 13: 8:06 (second hill climb)</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 26: 7:45<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 13;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 27: 7:01<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 14;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><br /></td><td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FdyOcZOiw3Q/U4ifLHSdnzI/AAAAAAAACTA/dVOyU39Mtts/s1600/IMG_8359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FdyOcZOiw3Q/U4ifLHSdnzI/AAAAAAAACTA/dVOyU39Mtts/s1600/IMG_8359.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />The Marathon and I.. we made up. &nbsp;By the grace of God, a good training plan, and a super awesome husband, I settled the score and it was SO satisfying. &nbsp;I still don't love this distance, but I'm starting to not hate it. &nbsp;And lately I've been dreaming of actually running the Boston marathon to celebrate my 40th birthday. &nbsp;No matter what, I hope to come back to Keizer and run this well organized, beautiful and fun race again. &nbsp;Maybe you should join me!<br /><br /><b>Sole Sisters will you share your race success stories with us? &nbsp;</b><br /><br />Jodi Stilphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04329375455810397582noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-7902382996947278032014-05-14T14:24:00.005-07:002014-06-12T16:13:57.976-07:00Detroit Dam, Benham Falls, Smith Rock State Park, and Yoga - A Girl's Weekend Awayby Jodi<br /><br />A couple of weeks ago Carissa and I were invited to join three other friends in Sunriver, Oregon, to celebrate Rose's 40th birthday and Kelly's upcoming wedding. &nbsp;We had a lovely time filled with relaxation, exercise, laughter, tons of amazing food and great conversation. &nbsp;I think each of us came back refreshed!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2kyLtmlrSvo/U3PYZhuGZAI/AAAAAAAACL8/VkW6HQBVpBo/s1600/The+Girls-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2kyLtmlrSvo/U3PYZhuGZAI/AAAAAAAACL8/VkW6HQBVpBo/s1600/The+Girls-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So blessed by these friends: Rose, Becky, Carissa and Kelly</td></tr></tbody></table>Today I asked Carissa to "do a quick write up about our Smith Rock State Park hike." &nbsp;It started some text bantering.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><span style="color: magenta;">C: &nbsp;"Oh Jodi. &nbsp;'quick' and 'write' do not go in the same sentence for me like they do for you. &nbsp;I wish they did."</span><br /><br />J: &nbsp;"C'mon. &nbsp;We hiked. &nbsp;It was beautiful. &nbsp;We slid down the backside. &nbsp;Had a tripod issue. &nbsp;Took a lot of pictures. &nbsp;Said we'd be back. &nbsp;And came home."<br /><br /><span style="color: magenta;">C: &nbsp;"Let me just cut and paste that into Blogger."</span><br /><span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span>So that's the short version. &nbsp;Here's the slightly longer version.<br /><br />I got to be the chauffeur for the weekend so when we came upon Detroit Dam on the way to Sunriver I stopped and invited Kelly and Carissa (Rose and Becky drove separately) to walk across it since they'd never had that treat before. &nbsp;We saw a bald eagle playing in the wind and I even introduced them to the cleaner, less smelly outhouse on the other side of the dam. &nbsp;(That's me sharing my Secret Tips with all you Sole Sisters!)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rurK3IRJ9v8/U3Pc4yLKiWI/AAAAAAAACNk/_GMbSNjDKJs/s1600/Detroit+Dam-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rurK3IRJ9v8/U3Pc4yLKiWI/AAAAAAAACNk/_GMbSNjDKJs/s1600/Detroit+Dam-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfAcl3gVSvQ/U3Pc5XgfUgI/AAAAAAAACNo/tbnHtSFMZ1A/s1600/Detroit+Dam-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfAcl3gVSvQ/U3Pc5XgfUgI/AAAAAAAACNo/tbnHtSFMZ1A/s1600/Detroit+Dam-2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><br />We stopped just outside Sunriver, Oregon, and hiked a lovely, flat trail along the Deschutes River past Benham Falls headed toward Dillon Falls. &nbsp;It's twisting the truth (in my opinion) to call this a "waterfall" since it looks more like river rapids but apparently the river bottom drops almost 95 feet in this section so if you squint really hard, it kind of looks like a waterfall.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYLDkWl45WY/U3PZOfYbVWI/AAAAAAAACMM/12mPJsTEiYU/s1600/IMG_8203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYLDkWl45WY/U3PZOfYbVWI/AAAAAAAACMM/12mPJsTEiYU/s1600/IMG_8203.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is just past the "falls" portion</td></tr></tbody></table>We loved the wide, soft easy trail and how it transitioned from right on the river's edge to venturing out into the woods to some quiet, still waters. &nbsp;This would be an easy trail to run or ride a mountain bike on. We ran out of time and had to turn around before we made it to Dillon Falls, so I added that to my list of things to do next time I'm in Sunriver. &nbsp;The only negative about this trail was the THREE snakes we saw just off the trail all curled up together. &nbsp;I screamed bloody murder and ran ahead while Kelly and Carissa hovered over them staring. &nbsp;Crazy girls!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PDJd0kuXFAo/U3PZOX5RAxI/AAAAAAAACMQ/snBT-hSZn3I/s1600/IMG_8201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PDJd0kuXFAo/U3PZOX5RAxI/AAAAAAAACMQ/snBT-hSZn3I/s1600/IMG_8201.JPG" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>Saturday morning was a relaxing, quiet, unrushed trip to the spa. &nbsp;After lunch our friends headed into town to go shopping and Carissa and I headed out of town to Smith Rock State Park, one of the seven wonders of Oregon.<br /><br />Smith Rock is world-renowned for rock climbers and has been on my Bucket List of places to visit since we moved to Oregon almost six years ago. &nbsp;I have no idea why we have never ventured there before, especially since on the drive I realized my Dad and his wife live a measly thirty minute drive from this paradise. &nbsp;I am definitely bringing my family back.<br /><br />Smith Rock State Park did NOT disappoint. &nbsp;It was everything I envisioned it would be. &nbsp;And then some. &nbsp;I don't even know how to describe it. &nbsp;The words "majestic" and "awe inspiring" come to mind. &nbsp;Deep river canyons and vast rock faces. &nbsp;Bright blue skies. &nbsp;Scrubby desert bushes and exquisite wild flowers. &nbsp;Hiking trails and climbing faces all over the park. &nbsp;It was awesome. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3ZCL8lAWPc/U3PZu_4GlXI/AAAAAAAACMc/9yplnJn6uJQ/s1600/IMG_8228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3ZCL8lAWPc/U3PZu_4GlXI/AAAAAAAACMc/9yplnJn6uJQ/s1600/IMG_8228.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fUKhIiRK9q0/U3PZvxoKZpI/AAAAAAAACMg/p8vS0OrjEfw/s1600/IMG_8226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fUKhIiRK9q0/U3PZvxoKZpI/AAAAAAAACMg/p8vS0OrjEfw/s1600/IMG_8226.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to act miserable even though I was SO excited!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hToV94wMB1E/U3PZzoEFEtI/AAAAAAAACM8/_llquP1wBKo/s1600/IMG_8230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hToV94wMB1E/U3PZzoEFEtI/AAAAAAAACM8/_llquP1wBKo/s1600/IMG_8230.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carissa was pumped</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KzHnKsqRzp8/U3PZyexGABI/AAAAAAAACM0/V6k3b-ECbus/s1600/IMG_8233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KzHnKsqRzp8/U3PZyexGABI/AAAAAAAACM0/V6k3b-ECbus/s1600/IMG_8233.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oax7XxDWtsg/U3PZzTJeG2I/AAAAAAAACM4/rXomsHninHo/s1600/IMG_8234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oax7XxDWtsg/U3PZzTJeG2I/AAAAAAAACM4/rXomsHninHo/s1600/IMG_8234.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carissa saying "Hi" by Monkey Face on our descent down the back side of Misery Ridge Trail.</td></tr></tbody></table>Carissa and I took the Misery Ridge Trail up to the summit and back down the other side. &nbsp;It definitely lived up to it's name. &nbsp;Slow and steady is the way to approach this climb. &nbsp;The trail is dry, packed dirt with loose gravel on top making it really slippery for the steep descent on the other side. &nbsp;We decided a controlled fall would be easier on our quads then slip-sliding down, so we baby step/jogged/free fell down the back side of the Misery Ridge Trail. &nbsp;It was comical. &nbsp;So comical that I almost wet my pants laughing at Carissa leading the way. &nbsp;Then almost bought it because I was so busy belly laughing that I forgot to watch my footing and maintain my balance.<br /><br />Once we were back in the canyon, we followed a peaceful trail along the river. &nbsp;I wasted at least twenty minutes trying to set my camera (with a too-heavy lens) up on the tripod that I lugged along for the entire hike. &nbsp;Carissa waited patiently while I groused and complained and mumbled under my breath and we both laughed when I finally gave up and just took a picture of her with the rock face in the background. &nbsp;And she took one of me being a monkey since Monkey Face was behind me. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IRHgWvAqV7k/U3PdC0H6o6I/AAAAAAAACN4/XaePcvwe-go/s1600/Smith+Rock+with+Carissa-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IRHgWvAqV7k/U3PdC0H6o6I/AAAAAAAACN4/XaePcvwe-go/s1600/Smith+Rock+with+Carissa-2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rm1-QazgRiY/U3PdCZqGh_I/AAAAAAAACN0/9AG4TYpOXN0/s1600/Smith+Rock+with+Carissa-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rm1-QazgRiY/U3PdCZqGh_I/AAAAAAAACN0/9AG4TYpOXN0/s1600/Smith+Rock+with+Carissa-1.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><br /><br />It's one thing I love about Carissa - she laughs at my jokes, puts up with my idiosyncrasies, and says yes to every wild adventure I present her with. &nbsp;***BONUS*** &nbsp;I got her to take a Silly Selfie with me. &nbsp;It might just be her first one ever. (This is for you Devon!)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-plR7vsiyitM/U3PcBTwLLJI/AAAAAAAACNM/fxxCAQ4qP7k/s1600/IMG_8238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-plR7vsiyitM/U3PcBTwLLJI/AAAAAAAACNM/fxxCAQ4qP7k/s1600/IMG_8238.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />Sunday morning we headed out for a run but turned around with our tails between our legs when it started raining big, cold rain drops on our uncovered heads and hands. &nbsp;It was like a bad brain freeze. We swapped out running for group yoga in the warm, cozy house as the rain pelted the windows. &nbsp;Such a fun treat!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pSBaRcPoGlY/U3PckZpw1xI/AAAAAAAACNc/7IfPMMSZF4Q/s1600/IMG_8312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pSBaRcPoGlY/U3PckZpw1xI/AAAAAAAACNc/7IfPMMSZF4Q/s1600/IMG_8312.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a></div><br />So there you have it. &nbsp;If you find yourself in central Oregon, make sure you visit Smith Rock State Park. &nbsp;And bring your family to the kid-friendly Benham Falls trail. &nbsp;Both were super fun!<br /><br />P.S. &nbsp;Tell one of your Sole Sisters you love her today. &nbsp;Carissa, Kelly, Rose, Becky, Devon, and Tanya - love you!!!!!!Jodi Stilphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04329375455810397582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-81503300580001717482014-04-24T21:32:00.000-07:002014-05-21T16:22:13.995-07:00Whidbey Island Half Marathon: Chasing Down My GoalBy Tanya<br /><br />I finally ran my first half marathon in almost two years and it felt great! I signed up for the Whidbey half marathon in&nbsp;October 2013&nbsp;with the hope that I would be able to run it in 2014. As you know,&nbsp;I started out my running career way too fast and furious. As a result I have been plagued with <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2014/01/my-toolbox-is-full-its-time-to-build.html" target="_blank">on-going injuries</a>&nbsp;for which I had to take all of 2013 off to recover.<br /><br />When the new year came around I committed to&nbsp;training differently. I started seeing a new Physical Therapist. &nbsp;Per her advice I worked to change up my stride to a faster cadence and foot turnover rate. I also&nbsp;focused on using&nbsp;my upper core muscles by pulling up and tightening my "inner corset" while I ran. This type of running certainly added a new cardio challenge, but overall it lessened my pain. I also was advised that although my hamstrings may feel tight, they actually are not, so stretching them would only further my problems. Therefore I should stretch my hamstrings as&nbsp;little and as&nbsp;gently as&nbsp;possible.<br /><br />I eased back into running slow and steady and made sure I could maintain the correct form and stride for the entire run. I also&nbsp;kept up with my cross-training routine of swimming, core exercises, and Zumba. This meant that I only gave myself two running days per week.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I started by running three miles at a ten minute pace and incrementally increased my mileage by&nbsp;one mile each week. By the time I reached five miles I began to use one day as a speed work day. My <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2014/03/back-on-track-and-riding-big-waves.html" target="_blank">speed work</a> was done on the track with the routine of one mile warm up, followed&nbsp;by 400 speed and 400 walk X2, then 800 speed, 800 slow-down and a one mile cool down.<br /><br />I do not have a Garmin or any timing device other than the Map My Run app on my cell phone to calculate my distance, speed and pace. The GPS on my phone is not&nbsp;very reliable, making the readings slightly inaccurate on my long runs&nbsp;and no good at all while running on a track, so I mostly ran by feel.<br /><br />My running was going really well. Unfortunately&nbsp;as my running routine increased I started to have lower back pain after doing Zumba. My physical therapist confirmed my suspicions that my running muscles and dancing muscles seemed to be working in opposition. Zumba was making my lower back too flexible and my core was still not strong enough to stabilize it when I would go pound the pavement the next day. I was able to avert a major&nbsp;lock&nbsp;up by having my PT release my back muscles once a week as well as apply ASTYM treatments,&nbsp;by scraping my&nbsp;sore, "crunchy" spots&nbsp;on my back, hips and knees with&nbsp;a special tool to break up the knotted, stuck fascia. <br /><br />As my training progressed I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was gaining speed even with the increased distance. Thank you speed work!&nbsp;I found that my comfortable settle-in pace was an&nbsp;8:30 pace&nbsp;which I was averaging on my long runs. With a little giddy-up in my legs I was finally able to go on a few runs with my speedster Sole Sisters Carissa and Jodi. I even celebrated my birthday by joining up&nbsp;again&nbsp;with the Oregon Road Runners Club for their weekly workout.&nbsp;It felt great to finally be back in the running community!<br /><br />The last two weeks of my training before the half marathon I switched out my Zumba day with an additional easy run. Everything was going great until my last easy four miler the Friday before Whidbey. For some reason my left knee stared to tighten up after my run. Fortunately&nbsp;I had scheduled one last session with my PT and she gave my knee a good work over. <br /><br />Since I knew I was most likely not going to PR in this race I decided to try a new racing strategy this time. In the past I've allowed my starting line adrenaline rush to get the best of me. I would start off fast and pay for it by hitting a wall around mile&nbsp;ten&nbsp;and end up feeling like I was dragging my butt along the last few miles.&nbsp;This time I wanted to allow myself a gradual warm up (ten to nine&nbsp;minute pace) for the first two miles which contained the longest and most steep climb of the whole race. After that my goal was to maintain a good pace for the duration of the race, taking advantage of the down hills.&nbsp;I especially wanted to keep some fuel in my tank because&nbsp;I knew there would be&nbsp;some rolling hills at&nbsp;miles&nbsp;ten through twelve. <br /><br />My initial goal was to finish the race in under two hours. Since I knew my phone was not very reliable I decided I was going to try and keep my sights on a pacer. At the race expo I learned there would&nbsp;be a pacer for finishing time goals of&nbsp;1:45, 1:50, and 2:00. I decided my goal would be after my two mile warm up that I would try to catch the 1:50 pacer.<br /><br />On race morning I felt rested and ready to race. The weather was perfect with a forecast of sunny&nbsp;with a high&nbsp;around&nbsp;65 degrees. Because of the&nbsp;8:30 am race start it was already starting to warm up. The race was a good size with about 1700 people running in the half marathon but there were no&nbsp;starting corrals. As we packed into the starting line, I ended up pretty close to the front but I could not see any of the pacers. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Once the race began&nbsp;I&nbsp;focused on&nbsp;relaxing,&nbsp;staying slow, and trying not to pay attention to the many people who were passing me. <br /><br />After the first mile my phone told me I had run an 8:58&nbsp;minute mile. A little fast, but pretty good. <br /><br />The next mile was a steady climb up a long hill so by the end of mile two my phone chimed 8:57. Still a little fast, but I'll take it. <br /><br />By this time I was warm and feeling really good. &nbsp;To my pleasure mile three was cresting the hill and starting down. I hesitated to let myself coast free but then decided I couldn't waste this opportunity so I&nbsp;sailed through the next mile and a half.<br /><br />Mile five had a few small hills. It was at this time that I really started to take notice of the beauty all around me. I started playing an imagination game where I would pretend I would slide down the multi-colored tunnel slide on the playground, then jump into river and swim past the runners as we turned toward the bay.&nbsp;I was enjoying my little game when up in the distance I got my first glance of a pacer. I couldn't see what time the pacer was so I decided to speed up.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWkpP3c9we0/U1hrSOUKV3I/AAAAAAAAANY/AJDXvNRRJUs/s1600/119436-572-009h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWkpP3c9we0/U1hrSOUKV3I/AAAAAAAAANY/AJDXvNRRJUs/s1600/119436-572-009h.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><br /><br />By&nbsp;mile six I got close enough to read the pacer's&nbsp;sign...1:50. BINGO!! There was a group of about six people running with the pacer chatting it up. I&nbsp;wondered if I should hang out with them for a while but my answer came in the next mile.<br /><br />At mile seven we hit a surprise hill. It actually seemed pretty steep and the pacer did a good job of holding&nbsp;tight to his pace because he did not let that hill slow him down at all! I stayed close on his tracks&nbsp;but one by one his entourage started falling away. At the top of the hill it was just me and the pacer! <br /><br />As we headed down the hill&nbsp;through mile eight&nbsp;that pacer stayed locked on his pace. I took advantage of the decline, letting my legs spin out, and&nbsp;waved goodbye as I breezed past the pacer.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g-K1Dqk7BZc/U1hrLP6L_EI/AAAAAAAAANI/6P0u5ZNncKs/s1600/119436-641-003h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g-K1Dqk7BZc/U1hrLP6L_EI/AAAAAAAAANI/6P0u5ZNncKs/s1600/119436-641-003h.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div><br />Miles nine through twelve I played cat-and-mouse with the pacer through the rolling hills. He would pass me up the hills and I would pass him down the hills. We had a little game going of calling out to each other as we passed by. My overall pace slowed down at this point but I still felt strong. I was wondering how accurate my phone was on my pace but I knew as long as I could pass the pacer I'd&nbsp;have met my goal.<br /><br />As&nbsp;I&nbsp;crested the final&nbsp;hill and went into the last mile of the race I turned on the after burners and let that pacer eat my dust!<br /><br />In the last half mile of the final stretch&nbsp;I pushed to sprint to the finish. I knew I gave it all I had as I crossed the finish and a wave of nausea hit me. Yes! The well timed sign of&nbsp;a well executed race. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zYSzxgMUzvQ/U1hrR6NrWPI/AAAAAAAAANU/8_u6xxXvPY4/s1600/119436-044-023h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zYSzxgMUzvQ/U1hrR6NrWPI/AAAAAAAAANU/8_u6xxXvPY4/s1600/119436-044-023h.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="detailwcstgt2s"><tbody><tr class="odd"><td>My final time was 1:48:49 with a pace of&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>8:18.&nbsp;</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table><br />This&nbsp;may have been my slowest half marathon to date, but I have enjoyed each and every race for the unique experience and lessons I have learned from them, regardless of my times.&nbsp;Whidbey was&nbsp;great&nbsp;because it was my come back race and I executed it exactly as I had planned and felt strong the whole way through. <br /><br />I praise God for giving me the patience and perseverance to keep actively working&nbsp;towards running again. <b>I pray that you too, Sole Sisters, will keep on finding the courage, strength and&nbsp;perseverance to keep chasing down your goals!</b><br /><br />Here are my Whidbey splits:<br /><table><tbody><tr><td>1 mi</td><td>08:58 min/mi</td><td>00:08:56</td></tr><tr><td>2 mi</td><td>08:57 min/mi</td><td>00:08:56</td></tr><tr><td>3 mi</td><td>07:51 min/mi</td><td>00:07:50</td></tr><tr><td>4 mi</td><td>07:26 min/mi</td><td>00:07:25</td></tr><tr><td>5 mi</td><td>08:02 min/mi</td><td>00:08:01</td></tr><tr><td>6 mi</td><td>07:43 min/mi</td><td>00:07:42</td></tr><tr><td>7 mi</td><td>08:13 min/mi</td><td>00:08:12</td></tr><tr><td>8 mi</td><td>08:08 min/mi</td><td>00:08:08</td></tr><tr><td>9 mi</td><td>07:52 min/mi</td><td>00:07:51</td></tr><tr><td>10 mi</td><td>07:40 min/mi</td><td>00:07:40</td></tr><tr><td>11 mi</td><td>08:24 min/mi</td><td>00:08:22</td></tr><tr><td>12 mi</td><td>08:10 min/mi</td><td>00:08:08</td></tr><tr><td>13 mi</td><td>07:21 min/mi</td><td>00:07:12</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>(The course was actually 13.38 miles)</td></tr></tbody></table>Tanya Corkumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127178808503246347noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-15050143649689486392014-04-16T11:39:00.002-07:002014-05-21T16:22:32.806-07:00Derailed by Dehydration - ORRC Vernonia Marathon 2014by Jodi<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GZyC6hjF1o8/U07J3dy1Y3I/AAAAAAAACIk/qhxivIUd7YQ/s1600/Handful+Repping-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GZyC6hjF1o8/U07J3dy1Y3I/AAAAAAAACIk/qhxivIUd7YQ/s1600/Handful+Repping-1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race Starting Line Intimidation Pose</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gxva9pP6L4M/U07J8PhDzfI/AAAAAAAACIs/sjMcugkZVgk/s1600/Vernonia+Marathon+from+my+iphone-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gxva9pP6L4M/U07J8PhDzfI/AAAAAAAACIs/sjMcugkZVgk/s1600/Vernonia+Marathon+from+my+iphone-5.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't mess with us - starting line</td></tr></tbody></table>Marathon number four is in the books. &nbsp;WHEW! &nbsp;The Oregon Road Runner's Club (ORCC) Vernonia Marathon on April 13th, 2014, thoroughly kicked my butt. &nbsp;I was completely humbled by dehydration and the distance, but I am <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2014/04/refuse-to-be-disappointed.html">refusing to be disappointed</a>. &nbsp;I have so much to celebrate and be thankful for.<br /><br /><b><u>SUMMARY</u></b><br />I love that the Lord gave me perspective and focus for this race before it even started. &nbsp;I only trained specifically for a marathon for eight weeks. &nbsp;In that time the phrase, <i style="font-weight: bold;">"Hold everything loosely" </i>kept coming back to me. I felt God reminding me continually during my training to hold my time and race execution goals loosely. &nbsp;And then my friend Krysty threw down some truth when she said, <i><b>"It's a marathon. &nbsp;Refuse to be disappointed."</b></i> &nbsp;Both of these thoughts were at the forefront of my mind as I raced, and guided the decisions I made toward the end of the race. &nbsp;As I've processed the race over the past two days, it's this theme that is helping me to let go of the tiny details I would love to perseverate on and beat myself up over. &nbsp;In the grand scheme of life this race doesn't matter. &nbsp;<b>Refuse to be disappointed.</b><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vc-QbSKslY0/U07KZXVlpwI/AAAAAAAACI0/GoETFnhxKEE/s1600/Handful+Repping-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vc-QbSKslY0/U07KZXVlpwI/AAAAAAAACI0/GoETFnhxKEE/s1600/Handful+Repping-4.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FINISH LINE! &nbsp;With my Man Child waiting by the clock and Devon taking a picture as I finished.</td></tr></tbody></table><b><u></u></b><br /><a name='more'></a><b><u>STRATEGY AND RACE EXECUTION</u></b><br />My buddy&nbsp;<a href="http://devonintraining.blogspot.com/2014/04/doing-everything-differently.html">Devon</a> and I ran this race together. &nbsp;We had both studied the race course and devised a race strategy based on the terrain of the course and past mistakes we've made.<br /><br /><b>1.</b> &nbsp;<b>Go Out Slow.</b> &nbsp;Devon and I both have sabotaged race after race by going out way too fast, trying to hold the pace, and then dying toward the finish. &nbsp;I had a tiered time goal. &nbsp;Run Less Run Faster (RLRF) projected potential for me to run a 3:25 marathon (7:48 pace per mile). &nbsp;I knew that was highly unlikely, so I had a BIG Goal (7:55 pace), a PROBABLE Goal (3:30 marathon and an 8:00 pace), and a THIS BETTER HAPPEN OR ELSE Goal to qualify for Boston (3:45 marathon). &nbsp;Based on our training a slow start would be to keep the first two miles above 8:00 minutes per mile. &nbsp;It was tough because we had all the pre-race adrenaline flowing and the start was downhill for the first half mile, but my first two miles were 8:03 and 8:02. &nbsp;<b>Mission Accomplished.</b><br /><br /><b>2.</b> &nbsp;<b>Run Based on Effort, Not on the Watch. </b>&nbsp;When I train I only look at my watch when it beeps that another mile has gone by. &nbsp;When I race I often find myself checking my watch much more frequently. &nbsp;It throws me off mentally and gets me second guessing my ability to pace myself. &nbsp;My goal for this race was to run based on effort, not by the speed on the watch. &nbsp;Devon and I kept telling ourselves, <i>"This has to feel easy for the first few miles." </i>We adjusted our pace to feel "easy" and ran based on effort, not the watch. &nbsp;<b>Mission Accomplished.</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>3. &nbsp;Soak in the Experience. &nbsp;</b>I wanted to soak in everything about this marathon experience. &nbsp;The course was stunningly beautiful and I didn't want to miss it. &nbsp;All glory to God, I noticed every ray of sunlight, the bright green moss, the towering trees, the beautiful lake with flowering trees reflecting in the water. &nbsp;I thanked the few spectators on the course for coming out and cheering. &nbsp;Prayed for my friends running races all over Oregon. &nbsp;Chatted with Devon. &nbsp;Listened to my play list that my Man Child made for me of his favorite worship songs. &nbsp;Thanked God out-loud for health and fitness and the joy of running. &nbsp;Looked forward to seeing my family at mile 18, then stopped to hug and kiss each one of them. &nbsp;I praise Jesus for helping me to accomplish this goal. &nbsp;<b>What a waste this race would have been without taking time to soak it all in.</b><br /><br /><b>4.</b> &nbsp;<b>Kill the Hills.</b> &nbsp;Miles 9 through 14 were a steady uphill climb. &nbsp;In most sections the grade was not steep but climbing continuously for five miles was much more taxing than I anticipated. &nbsp;It was hard to maintain a good pace through this section, especially on the one section of steep switchbacks at mile 14. &nbsp;I chose to walk briefly on this hill to catch my breath and eat a gel. &nbsp;It was a relief to reach the summit of the hill section. &nbsp;Surprisingly we stayed within race pace in spite of all that climbing. Devon and I separated on the hills section. &nbsp;She's a faster climber than I am, but we still were easily within sight of each other. &nbsp;<b>Mission Accomplished.</b><br /><br /><b>5.&nbsp;&nbsp;Make Up Time on the Downhill.</b>&nbsp;Miles 15 through 22 were all downhill and I hoped to drop into the 7:40's on these miles to bank some time for the flat miles toward the finish. &nbsp; My first mile in this section was a 7:46 and I stayed around that pace until I started getting sick. The grade of the hill wasn't steep but there was no relief from the downhill pounding on the quads. &nbsp;I train on hills and thought this section would be a breeze, but my quads were SORE the next day. &nbsp; I was gaining a little ground on Devon and hopeful that I would catch her, but then the nausea started. &nbsp;(Cue drumroll here). &nbsp;<b>Mission Accomplished (kind of).</b><br /><br />5. &nbsp;<b>Hold a Steady Pace on the Flats to the Finish. &nbsp;</b>Mile 23 to 26.2 were flat and fully exposed to the direct sun and wind. &nbsp;My original goal was to just try to hold onto 8:00 minute miles for the last 4.2 miles to the finish. &nbsp;It was unseasonably warm with no cloud cover and enough of a wind that it was a little tough to run into it. &nbsp;These factors made it difficult for even the most seasoned runners to run fast to the finish. &nbsp;<b>CLEARLY I did not accomplish this goal.</b><br /><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b><u>WHAT WENT WRONG</u></b><br />In a word - <b>DEHYDRATION</b>. &nbsp;Which led to electrolyte imbalance and temporary GI shutdown - at least that's what my Medical Doctor Friends tell me. <br /><br />I ran with my water belt and had 10 ounces of water and 10 ounces of Nuun (electrolyte replacement) in my belt. &nbsp;I also had five Hammer Gels in my fuel belt. &nbsp;I planned to eat a gel every six miles and swap out my water bottles for fresh ones when I saw Curt at mile 18. &nbsp;All of this is exactly how I fuel and hydrate on my long training runs. &nbsp;Example: when I ran 22 miles I drank about 26 ounces of water and ate three gels.<br /><br />Call it Race Day Nerves but I just forgot to drink. &nbsp;I got it in my head that I needed to conserve my water because the aid stations on the course were relatively sparse. This wasn't a conscious choice, rather something I observed in retrospect. &nbsp;When Curt went to swap out the water bottles at Mile 18 both were basically still full. &nbsp;Nausea was starting to set in at that time. &nbsp;It went downhill (pun intended) from there.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ax4g1e9Xds/U07LgAjMgZI/AAAAAAAACJA/Xwdm93D0Ouk/s1600/My+Family+Brings+out+the+Smiles-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ax4g1e9Xds/U07LgAjMgZI/AAAAAAAACJA/Xwdm93D0Ouk/s1600/My+Family+Brings+out+the+Smiles-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the best parts of the race - seeing my family at Mile 18. &nbsp;How I love them!</td></tr></tbody></table>Fast and furious, wave after wave of intense nausea killed my pace. &nbsp;I'm a total wimp when it comes to nausea. &nbsp;I will do ANYTHING to avoid barfing. &nbsp;I was afraid that if I started retching I wouldn't be able to stop. The only way I could keep the nausea from totally overtaking me was to slow down. &nbsp;So I slowed down. &nbsp;And down. &nbsp;And down.<br /><br />I kept trying to drink water. &nbsp;Or my Nuun. &nbsp;Or eat a gel. &nbsp;But I couldn't swallow anything. &nbsp;I had to spit everything back out. &nbsp;The more dehydrated I got, the sicker I got. &nbsp;I started to get lightheaded and dizzy. &nbsp;I had to look at a spot way down the trail and run with my head down to control the sensation of things spinning past me. <br /><br />I walked briefly in Mile 21. &nbsp;And Mile 22 when I saw Kelly, Carissa's friend. &nbsp;We've run races together and she knew something was wrong right away. &nbsp;I walked again at Mile 23. &nbsp;This time for a longer period of time. &nbsp;I wanted so desperately to run to the finish but there was no medical help on the course that I could easily identify and I knew I needed to be healthy enough to drive home.<br /><br />Carissa met me around Mile 23.5. &nbsp;She said I was drenched in sweat and super hot to the touch which is crazy &nbsp;because at that point I was thinking to myself, "<i>I'm hardly sweating and it should feel hot out here but I'm not hot." &nbsp;</i>I dropped my water bottle and had a hard time picking it. &nbsp;Carissa said it looked like I was going to fall over. &nbsp;I was in rough shape.<br /><br />Carissa walked with me and helped me evaluate my finishing options. &nbsp;We both agreed that walking to the finish in decent health was a better option than continuing to try to run and collapsing. &nbsp;<b>"<i>Refuse to be disappointed. &nbsp;Hold everything loosely</i>" </b>was rumbling around in my head.<br /><br />At mile 24.5 Carissa texted Curt to tell him I was walking the remainder of the way to the finish. &nbsp;I knew I needed to preserve my health and running was totally kicking my butt. &nbsp;(Insert defeated sigh here). &nbsp;The hardest part for me was letting other women pass me in the final two miles. &nbsp;I knew I had made the right decision but the competitive part of me struggled with holding THAT loosely!<br /><br />I decided to run the last half mile to the finish line. &nbsp;Carissa and I overtook an older man who was literally staggering down the sidewalk. We stopped to help him. &nbsp;Gave him some electrolytes and some water. &nbsp;Carissa told me she would help him to the finish, looked at her watch and said, "<i>Get to the finish line</i>." &nbsp;Our guy did finish the race but he collapsed on the track after he was done. &nbsp;He told Devon he was passing a kidney stone! &nbsp;He made me look like a total wimp.<br /><br />What a beautiful sight to see my husband and four precious kiddos waiting for me on the high school track where the race ended. &nbsp;The kids followed me around the track cheering for me and telling me I could do it. &nbsp;With 300 meters left in the race I had to stop and walk one last time. &nbsp;That was really frustrating for me. &nbsp;I did run across the finish line and loved the joy of hearing the finish mat beep that this marathon was finally over.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--6Q_zF87S2o/U07L_4ZCqrI/AAAAAAAACJI/5TwrG_bVT8k/s1600/All+I+have+to+do+is+round+the+track-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--6Q_zF87S2o/U07L_4ZCqrI/AAAAAAAACJI/5TwrG_bVT8k/s1600/All+I+have+to+do+is+round+the+track-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All I have to do is round the track. &nbsp;The guy in the green behind me is the guy we stopped to help. &nbsp;What a TOUGH man!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XmvBQooaPa0/U07MUVA9ARI/AAAAAAAACJQ/elAQBkOAPdo/s1600/Handful+Repping-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XmvBQooaPa0/U07MUVA9ARI/AAAAAAAACJQ/elAQBkOAPdo/s1600/Handful+Repping-3.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rounding the last turn - "I'll run till I finish the race."</td></tr></tbody></table>My official finish time was 3:48:16 with an average pace per mile of 8:43. &nbsp;Way off the mark of my goal time, but I am refusing to be disappointed. &nbsp;Since it was a small race it still put me as 13th place overall for the women (out of 89) and 4th in my age group. &nbsp;Devon finished in 3:32 and got fourth place overall for the women! <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0VYG8KzrATM/U07MlCRDiTI/AAAAAAAACJY/zOA_QWk4nxU/s1600/Devon+and+the+Vernonia+Marathon-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0VYG8KzrATM/U07MlCRDiTI/AAAAAAAACJY/zOA_QWk4nxU/s1600/Devon+and+the+Vernonia+Marathon-6.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got our medals</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8wVz7MssO_w/U07MlYZq9lI/AAAAAAAACJc/pkYdKVlPsLM/s1600/Vernonia+Marathon+from+my+iphone-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8wVz7MssO_w/U07MlYZq9lI/AAAAAAAACJc/pkYdKVlPsLM/s1600/Vernonia+Marathon+from+my+iphone-10.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These beautiful women pray for me. &nbsp;Encourage me. &nbsp;And challenge me to be a better wife, mom, friend, runner and Follower of Jesus. &nbsp;What a gift they are to me!</td></tr></tbody></table>This marathon thoroughly and completely kicked my butt. &nbsp;It was humbling to walk with 300 meters left in the race, but I think I learn more from defeat than I do from victory. <br /><br />I have a fresh appreciation for how hard the marathon is. &nbsp;A renewed gratitude for the ability to cover the distance. &nbsp;And just enough irritation that The Marathon said, "<i>Thanks for trying have a nice day</i>" and sent me packing, that I want to come back and even the score. &nbsp;I can feel Curt's eyes rolling now...<br /><br />Thank you to those of you who prayed me through a tough race and who have lovingly offered encouragement on the journey and post-race. &nbsp;To God be the glory!<br /><br />PS At church that night we sang a Hillsongs Live song called <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WB4Tc5zJMUc">Lord of Lords</a></i>. &nbsp;It has a lyric that says, <i><b>"I will run till I finish the race.</b></i>" &nbsp;Just another reason why I love running - so many life parallels.<br /><br /><b><u>This Race by the Mile: 3 hours 48 minutes 16 seconds, Average Pace: 8:43</u></b><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-insideh-themecolor: text1; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid black; mso-border-insidev-themecolor: text1; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 191;"> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td style="border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 1: 8:03</div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 2: 8:02</div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 3: 7:49</div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 4: 7:58</div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 5: 8:04</div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 6: 7:49</div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 7: 7:54</div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 8: 7:59</div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 9: 7:59</div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 9;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 10: 7:53</div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 10;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 11: 8:03</div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 11;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 12: 8:06</div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 12;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 13: 7:56</div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 13;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 14: 9:09 (walked the hill)</div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 14;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 15: 7:46<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 15;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 16: 7:49<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 16;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 17: 7:49<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 17;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 18: 7:58<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 18;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 19: 8:30<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 19;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 20: 8:19<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 20;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 21: 9:09<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 21;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 22: 9:09<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 22;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 23: 9:06<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 23;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 24: 12:03<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 24;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 25: 12:48<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 25;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 26: 11:44<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 26; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"><div class="MsoNormal">Mile 26.2: 10:24<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr></tbody></table><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>73</o:Words> <o:Characters>420</o:Characters> <o:Company>OHSU</o:Company> <o:Lines>3</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>515</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} table.MsoTableGrid {mso-style-name:"Table Grid"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; border:solid black; mso-border-themecolor:text1; border:1.0pt; mso-border-alt:solid black; mso-border-themecolor:text1; mso-border-alt:.5pt; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-border-insideh:.5pt solid black; mso-border-insideh-themecolor:text1; mso-border-insidev:.5pt solid black; mso-border-insidev-themecolor:text1; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment--><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Jodi Stilphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04329375455810397582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-37025615936019108202014-04-09T19:03:00.000-07:002014-05-21T16:22:44.828-07:00Refuse to Be Disappointedby Jodi<br /><br />Four days from now (Lord willing) I will be in Vernonia, Oregon, toeing the line of my fourth marathon. It seems like every time I start the process of training for a marathon I get hurt. &nbsp;This marathon was no different. I fractured my finger - in three spots! - four weeks before the race. &nbsp;Two days later I stepped on a nail that went through my boot and deep into my foot. &nbsp;I seriously thought about bagging this marathon.<br /><br />However the timing just seems right. &nbsp;I'm turning 40 this year and I want to run another marathon before I start a new decade. &nbsp;My speed and stamina are about as good as they are going to get and I'm on board mentally to cover the distance. &nbsp;Normally 26.2 miles intimidates me into not even wanting to try, but right now I feel equipped to handle it. &nbsp;I want to ride that momentum while it lasts. I also like the fact that the race will be over before all the spring field trips and end-of-the-school year activities start ramping up.<br /><br /><b><u>TRAINING</u></b><br />I've been loosely following the <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2014/01/run-less-run-faster.html">Run Less Run Faster (RLRF) training program</a> to get ready for this marathon. &nbsp;I say loosely because I modified the program quite a bit to fit my current lifestyle.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />First, I only trained for eight weeks for this marathon. &nbsp;A typical marathon training cycle is 16 weeks but I usually get bogged down, injured, and burnt out by the time the race rolls around. &nbsp;I broke up the 16 weeks into three sections. &nbsp;I used the RLRF half marathon schedule training program for six weeks. &nbsp;Took the next two weeks to recover and run with friends. &nbsp;Then chose the Vernonia Marathon and spent eight weeks training using the RLRF marathon schedule. &nbsp;The number of weeks are the same, but my body and mind are not burnt out or used up. &nbsp;We'll find out after the race if this was smart or stupid.<br /><br />RLRF calls for cardio cross training, but I haven't done a stitch of cardio cross training. &nbsp;Instead I &nbsp;reestablished a consistent yoga practice. &nbsp;Before I broke my finger I was practicing yoga every day I wasn't running and finding HUGE benefit from it. &nbsp;I hope to incorporate cycling and swimming back into my workout routine after the marathon.<br /><br />I have faithfully completed every track workout, tempo run, and long run on the RLRF schedule. &nbsp;I ran by myself on the track and tempo workouts and worked hard to hit every prescribed pace. &nbsp;On the long runs I allowed myself some flexibility with the pace. &nbsp;If I was really tired or running with a friend I altered the goal time and ran based on effort instead of time. <br /><br />These slight alterations made me feel rebellious enough to not be totally confined by a rigid, pace-based schedule. &nbsp;I am arriving on race day injury free (minus the finger), stretched out, rested and ready to run. <br /><br /><b><u>RACE OVERVIEW</u></b><br />Which brings me to this race. &nbsp;The <a href="http://www.orrc.net/races/vernonia/vernonia.htm">Vernonia Half Marathon and Marathon</a> is hosted by the Oregon Road Runner's Club, the same group that hosted the 30k I ran in March. &nbsp;It's a super small race field - last year only 102 athletes ran the full marathon. &nbsp;I'm guessing the field size directly correlates to the fact that the Boston marathon is the following week and most of Portland's fast runners are headed to Boston. &nbsp;I love small races though so the size isn't a deterrent.<br /><br />The race is point-to-point, starting at a retreat center in Vernonia and ending on the high school track in Banks. &nbsp;The race course is on a <a href="http://www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&amp;parkId=104">rails-to-trails</a> and winds through Oregon's beautiful forest in the base of the coastal mountains. I've always wanted to run on this trail. &nbsp;What better way than to see all 21.5 miles of it in one fell swoop?<br /><br />The weather looks like it is going to cooperate... almost too much. &nbsp;The forecast calls for a high of 72 degrees with full sun and no cloud cover. &nbsp;Thankfully the hottest part of the day in Oregon is around 5 p.m. so I am hopeful that it won't be too hot on the course.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x9a8EW2RpSs/U0XNtcbdcQI/AAAAAAAACIE/M1nqJYFjOaU/s1600/IMG_7879.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x9a8EW2RpSs/U0XNtcbdcQI/AAAAAAAACIE/M1nqJYFjOaU/s1600/IMG_7879.PNG" height="320" width="180" /></a></div><br /><b><u>GEAR</u></b><br />I've spent the winter training in capris and long-sleeved shirts. &nbsp;I even bought a crazy fun pair of Nike capris to wear on race day but they've been sidelined due to the warmer-than-usual weather. &nbsp;Instead I'll run in my <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2013/07/im-in-love-skirt-sports-redemption-run.html">Skirt Sport Redemption Run shorts</a>&nbsp;and my&nbsp;<a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2012/12/new-and-improved-my-review-of.html">Handful tank.</a>&nbsp; I'm ditching the corporate giant for the small companies run by women - it seems fitting for a small race. &nbsp;I also plan to carry my own water and gel in my <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2012/06/hydration-and-nathan-speed-2-review.html">Nathan Speed 2</a>&nbsp;belt. &nbsp;I like the mental comfort of knowing I can drink whenever I'm thirsty instead of relying on the aid stations for my supplies. &nbsp;Since I'm a Freeze Baby I'll probably start with my <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2013/03/oh-brrr-winter-running.html">Mountain Hardware Momentum running gloves</a>&nbsp;too.<br /><br /><b><u>GOALS</u></b><br />I have time goals but surprisingly they are not driving my motivation for this race. &nbsp;I'd love to qualify for Boston and need a 3:40 to do that. &nbsp;My Bucket List dream is to break 3:30. &nbsp;How cool would it be for my pace per mile to have a 7 in front of it? &nbsp;If that happens I might hang up my marathon shoes forever. &nbsp; A marathon has so many variables, however if I have a healthy body and willing mind on race morning AND if there is no wind AND if it stays cool enough... there is a reasonable chance that I could break 3:30.<br /><br />My main goal though is to hold everything loosely. &nbsp;I feel so joy-filled that I have the health to do something crazy like run 26.2 miles. &nbsp;I want to soak in this experience - to run for the sheer joy of running. &nbsp;I want a steady effort to drive my pace instead of the number on my watch. &nbsp;I want to celebrate and pray for my friends and family who have supported me through this training cycle. &nbsp;I want to worship my Mighty Creator who romances me with beauty at every turn. &nbsp;My kids are making me a play list of all their favorite Christian artists. &nbsp;I can't wait to have their songs serenade me down the course. &nbsp;Finally, I would love to hold a steady pace all the way to the finish, especially through those last, horrid 6.2 miles that seem to last forever. &nbsp;It would be so awesome to not feel half-dead at the finish line.<br /><br />Ironically, our Sole Sister Tanya is running her first half marathon in almost two years on Whidbey Island at the same time I'll be racing in Vernonia. &nbsp;She has been plagued with injuries for over a year so this is huge that she is healthy enough to run a half marathon. &nbsp;She and I will be praying for each other as we race. &nbsp;What a cool way to run through life together!<br /><br /><b><u>GET IT DONE!</u></b><br />Today I finished my last run before the race. &nbsp;The hard part is over. &nbsp;I've logged the miles and put in the training. &nbsp;Now all that is left is to race. &nbsp;My friend Krysty is honest, to-the-point, and wise. &nbsp;I love running things by her because I know she'll be honest. &nbsp;We were talking about the race and she said, <i><b>"It's a marathon. &nbsp;Refuse to be disappointed."</b></i><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gS7LOv5420E/U0XN1bN-FWI/AAAAAAAACIM/XMyiSkn2fAQ/s1600/IMG_7883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gS7LOv5420E/U0XN1bN-FWI/AAAAAAAACIM/XMyiSkn2fAQ/s1600/IMG_7883.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last run finished! &nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table>That nugget of wisdom stuck with me. &nbsp;It's my prayer heading into Sunday. &nbsp;No matter what happens, I want to refuse to be disappointed and give God the glory. &nbsp;Let's get this party started!Jodi Stilphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04329375455810397582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-39519842711297332802014-03-11T21:43:00.000-07:002014-05-21T16:22:56.862-07:00Back on Track and Riding Big Waves!By Tanya<br /><br />Now that my <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2014/01/my-toolbox-is-full-its-time-to-build.html" target="_blank">toolbox is filled</a> with some new and improved&nbsp;strategies for keeping my body&nbsp;in a happy place of balance,&nbsp;I am&nbsp;excited to&nbsp;say that I am finally back on track! Quite literally in fact.<br />One of the ways that I have found balance is by varying my workouts throughout the week.&nbsp;My typical week now includes:&nbsp;Zumba, swim, cycle, core work&nbsp;and of course running! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_hhx8TAxG1Y/Ux4xAjvMKpI/AAAAAAAAALQ/-28io8EVe8E/s1600/IMAG1577-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_hhx8TAxG1Y/Ux4xAjvMKpI/AAAAAAAAALQ/-28io8EVe8E/s1600/IMAG1577-1.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I started the year by running slow, short distances and through the example of my Sole Sisters&nbsp;who have been loving the <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2014/01/run-less-run-faster.html" target="_blank">Run Less Run Faster</a> method, I&nbsp;also incorporated one track running workout per week. Normally both of these things would drive me nuts because I do not like to take it easy. But obviously my fast and furious running style of years past was not working for me and I did not want to get sidelined again. <b>I'd rather run&nbsp;slow and smart&nbsp;than not at all.</b> I actually look forward to my track workout days because I knew that I could get at least a few fast miles in, even if I had to walk in between them!<br /><br />With the help of a new Physical Therapist I have been able to strengthen my core and upper back to have better posture all throughout the day. &nbsp;I have noticed a tremendous&nbsp;reduction of my hip pain and my back has not locked&nbsp;up at all this year! Once my core became stronger I found that I could incorporate my new posture into my running technique which has left me feeling less sore after each run. <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />With my commitment to running the Whidbey Half Marathon in April, I knew that I would have to increase my mileage on my long run days. &nbsp;I have been working to maintain good posture during each run and build up my&nbsp;muscle memory and stamina for the increased mileage. At first it was really challenging. It's like starting to run for the first time all over again. The amount of energy it takes to go slower and focus on keeping proper form when I start to get fatigued actually doubles the amount of fatigue! But usually I find that if I keep pushing on, that wonderful second wind will kick in and by the end of the run I am sailing to the finish on that good old runner's high.&nbsp;In fact last week I was finally able to run&nbsp;with my Sole Sisters again! It was a long time coming and it was fantastic! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Bz3qoElHfo/Ux4xNJzEIbI/AAAAAAAAALY/-QZaUo4lp7c/s1600/IMG_7493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Bz3qoElHfo/Ux4xNJzEIbI/AAAAAAAAALY/-QZaUo4lp7c/s1600/IMG_7493.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are just a bit happy to be running together again!</td></tr></tbody></table>A few weeks ago when I was in San Diego I was running on one of my favorite routes along the ocean. Because of the recent storms the waves were abnormally&nbsp;large and really amazing. On the first half of my run I noticed&nbsp;a surfer dude with&nbsp;equipment and a sign for surfing lessons. I normally don't like open bodies of water and I have never in my life felt brave enough to surf. &nbsp;But God was&nbsp;giving me some gentle&nbsp;encouragement. &nbsp;I felt particularly&nbsp;confident and strong&nbsp;that day and the ocean was just beckoning me to come in. So on my way back I inquired about a lesson. &nbsp;Surfer Dude&nbsp;only had one other woman signed up for the next lesson and said I could join them.<br /><br />So guess what? I did it. I didn't even have a bathing suit or a towel, but I took off my running shoes, said a little prayer, slipped the wetsuit on over my sweaty running clothes and went out to shred some major gnar! The waves were so huge that Surfer Dude told me that in order to ride them I'd need to go "lazy style"&nbsp;and&nbsp;just let&nbsp;them carry me. Me? Lazy style!? Well it took some&nbsp;effort to relax,&nbsp;but I did it! I surfed&nbsp;and it was AMAZING!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5k5_zi8zjRw/Ux4yChFBzBI/AAAAAAAAALk/4bbdmz9WJWg/s1600/IMAG1482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5k5_zi8zjRw/Ux4yChFBzBI/AAAAAAAAALk/4bbdmz9WJWg/s1600/IMAG1482.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />I may not be able to race fast and furious anymore but I am blessed to be healthy and to enjoy all that life has to offer. Actually this time off&nbsp;has been&nbsp;a blessing because it helped me to once again see the importance of balance, adventure, and&nbsp;going with the flow. I guess&nbsp;sometimes&nbsp;you&nbsp;need to take&nbsp;it easy and go&nbsp;lazy style to be able to ride the big waves!<br /><br />Tanya Corkumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127178808503246347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-58128418774599289072014-03-06T16:31:00.000-08:002014-05-21T16:23:08.142-07:00When It All Comes Together - ORCC Champoeg 30K Race Reviewby Jodi<br /><br />On Saturday I ran my first ever 30k (18.6 miles). &nbsp;We all know what that means... &nbsp;automatic PR! &nbsp;Hooray for first time events.<br /><br />On every level this race felt different than the half marathon I ran a few weeks ago. &nbsp;I went into the half marathon with very specific time-related goals and a ton of race-day nerves. &nbsp;<b>The way I raced, my finish time, and the way I felt after the race all reflected too much pressure, not enough fun.</b> &nbsp;I wanted to change that dynamic for this race.<br /><br />A week after my half marathon my friend Ruth invited me to run the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.orrc.net/races/champoeg/champoeg.htm">Champoeg Park Runs and Walks 10k and 30</a>k with her. &nbsp;The race was only three weeks away and included a distance I have never trained for or raced before. &nbsp;It also was three loops of a 10k course instead of a bigger point-to-point or out-and-back course. &nbsp;I was intrigued.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Everything about this race was new or different from races I've run in the past: the distance, the lack of significant training, looping the same course three times, and running to share the experience with a friend versus running for an individual goal. &nbsp;Plus Champoeg State Park is practically in my backyard. &nbsp;It seemed like a No Brainer. &nbsp;I said yes and started training.<br /><br />My only goal for race day was to start slow, build speed as the race progressed, and have my last few miles be my fastest. &nbsp;I did have one big hope too - to run sub-eight minute miles - but had no idea if this was realistic or not. &nbsp;If that happened it would be the icing on the cake.<br /><br />This race starts E A R L Y! &nbsp;Ruth was waiting in my driveway at 6 a.m. We both had varying degrees of upset stomach which isn't uncommon on race day, but Ruth was feeling particularly bad. &nbsp;She'd been up sick for hours before the race and had no idea how or if she'd be able to run the race. &nbsp;We prayed her stomach would calm down before the 7 a.m. start of the race. &nbsp;When we arrived at the park it was pitch dark and raining. &nbsp;I parked in a giant puddle, instantly submerging my shoe in water when I stepped out of the car. &nbsp; GRR! <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HuW6LS8khhY/UxkOqeAp9SI/AAAAAAAACHA/nvZ8pbnGuSg/s1600/IMG_7426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HuW6LS8khhY/UxkOqeAp9SI/AAAAAAAACHA/nvZ8pbnGuSg/s1600/IMG_7426.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">it was just light enough at the start of the race to take a selfie that actually showed our faces</td></tr></tbody></table>The 30k was a small, but fast, crowd of runners. &nbsp;As the darkness slowly changed to gray I recognized runners from Portland. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.teamathena.org/v2/">Team Athena</a>, a running club that Carissa is a part of, brought some of their team down. &nbsp;These girls are training for Boston and they are fast. &nbsp;It was so inspiring to see them in action - consistently running mile after mile at a sub 7 minute pace, looking effortless and smooth in their efforts.<br /><br />Before the race Ruth and I huddled up and prayed. &nbsp;Miraculously her stomach had calmed down! &nbsp;We celebrated that she felt good enough to race and quickly settled into a pace that felt challenging, but not too fast.<br /><br />We ran based on effort not time, only checking our watches when they beeped another mile. &nbsp;Mile after mile after mile ticked off and we maintained a steady pace. &nbsp;Almost down to the second, each mile of every lap was the same pace. &nbsp;I've never run such a consistent pace in a race before.<br /><br />The 10k course had an out-and-back portion on it. &nbsp;As the leaders passed us we started counting the women in front of us. &nbsp;We were in the number 10 and 11 positions. &nbsp; In the course of 18.6 miles our positions never changed. &nbsp;Every woman ahead of us and immediately behind us had found her groove and stayed within it. &nbsp;Not to say that the ladies in the first 9 spots didn't change leads, but they definitely didn't slow down to give us a chance to pass them. &nbsp;I found this to be really interesting.<br /><br />Our first 10k we talked the entire time. &nbsp;Our time was 49:37 - a 7:59 pace. <br /><br />Our second 10k &nbsp;was slightly faster - 49:20 - a 7:56 pace. &nbsp;Our chatting ebbed away about halfway through this lap.<br /><br />The third lap was our fastest - 48:50 - a 7:51 pace. &nbsp;Our talking ceased except to cheer on the leaders as they passed us for the last time. &nbsp;When one of us got tired the other offered up a word of encouragement. &nbsp;Even our breathing was in synch. &nbsp;Steady inhale. &nbsp;Steady exhale. &nbsp;Neither Ruth or I have ever encountered such unity with another runner. &nbsp;It was really special.<br /><br />The last 1.8 miles our bodies started to feel the pounding. &nbsp;All the places that protest when I ask my body to push too far started tightening up. &nbsp;Ruth felt the same way. &nbsp;<b>We were ready to be done. &nbsp;But instead of slowing down, we picked up the pace.</b> &nbsp;Little by little we gained speed over the last two miles.<br /><br />With about half a mile to go, I heard Ruth mumble, "<i>Thank you Jesus. &nbsp;Praise you Jesus</i>." &nbsp;I got a little teary-eyed and we both took turns thanking Jesus for healing Ruth's stomach. &nbsp;For giving us strength to run. &nbsp;For healthy lungs that can tolerate continual use. &nbsp;We thanked Jesus for such a beautiful setting to run, for our friendship, and for the chance to share this experience together. <br /><br />When we got done with our impromptu worship session Ruth told me to kick to the finish without her. &nbsp;She's nursing a big injury and can't sprint without excruciating pain. &nbsp;I wanted to cross together but she insisted that I give it everything I have and sprint through the finish. &nbsp;She's a runner. &nbsp;She gets it.<br /><br />The finish was at the top of a small hill - so cruel after 18.5 miles of racing. &nbsp;Somehow I mustered the strength to sprint up the hill and into the finish. &nbsp;Ruth was ten seconds behind, finishing strong all the way to the end. &nbsp;My finish time was 2:27:47 with a 7:55 average pace. &nbsp;We did it! &nbsp;<b>Negative splits and a sub-eight minute mile pace! &nbsp;</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y-_b-Q7UszU/UxkO7lkNLsI/AAAAAAAACHM/HQ6engqC23Y/s1600/IMG_7420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y-_b-Q7UszU/UxkO7lkNLsI/AAAAAAAACHM/HQ6engqC23Y/s1600/IMG_7420.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><b><br /></b>By the splits our race looked like this:<br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>17</o:Words> <o:Characters>99</o:Characters> <o:Company>OHSU</o:Company> <o:Lines>1</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>121</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; 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mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment--><br /><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-insideh-themecolor: text1; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid black; mso-border-insidev-themecolor: text1; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 191;"> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td style="border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal">Lap 1<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d;">7:55<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal">7:57<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal">7:41<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal">7:43<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal">7:54<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d;">7:45<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal">Lap 2<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d;">7:55<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal">7:54<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal">7:43<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal">7:52<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal">7:50<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d;">7:45<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal">Lap 3<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal">7:58<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal">7:53<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal">8:04*<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal">7:56<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal">7:34<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal">7:44<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.35pt;" valign="top" width="82"><div class="MsoNormal">7:22<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*This mile we stopped at an aid station, contemplated going to the bathroom, then decided to keep running.</div><br />I ran into Ruth yesterday at the gym. &nbsp;We're both still on a runner's high. &nbsp;Our bodies were trashed after the race, but in a good way. &nbsp; The "<i>I gave it everything I have and then some</i>" kind of trashed. &nbsp;The execution of the race and our finish times were really exciting, but I think we both were more thrilled about racing together from start to finish. &nbsp;The depth that sharing this experience added to our friendship is worth far more than the chintzy plastic medals we earned after we finished the race. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2K6gr83jU_o/UxkPHLZ652I/AAAAAAAACHQ/zslnBXcoTLA/s1600/IMG_7424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2K6gr83jU_o/UxkPHLZ652I/AAAAAAAACHQ/zslnBXcoTLA/s1600/IMG_7424.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Finally a race that was executed well from start to finish. &nbsp;It was textbook perfect and the finish was oh-so-satisfying! &nbsp; &nbsp;<b>Ironically - or maybe not so ironically - it all came together in a race that I approached by holding my goals and expectations loosely. </b>&nbsp;It's something I'm still pondering as I think about potentially running a marathon next month.<br /><br />&nbsp;I'm still a little sore and have thirteen miles facing me tomorrow. &nbsp; You better believe I'll be remembering what I learned last Saturday on race day: to hold my goals loosely and listen to my body. &nbsp;There is clear value in both.<br /><br /><b>Sole Sisters have you run negative splits in a race? &nbsp;What was your strategy?</b><br /><br /><br />Jodi Stilphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04329375455810397582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-3387872772104230392014-02-07T15:24:00.001-08:002014-05-21T16:23:24.053-07:00When Friendship Trumps the Watchby Jodi<br /><br />Saturday was race day for <a href="http://devonintraining.blogspot.com/2014/02/it-happens.html">Devon</a>, <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2014/02/fast-and-furious-comes-to-stop.html">Carissa</a> and me. &nbsp;I, unlike Carissa and Devon, was in great health but still uncertain about how my race would play out. &nbsp;With three smooth and fast training runs in a row I was due for a hard run soon. &nbsp;Would I make it through race day unscathed? <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sgSYdnLQhcc/UvVovCIWZoI/AAAAAAAACCI/Gd2OeLn-QIE/s1600/IMG_7135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sgSYdnLQhcc/UvVovCIWZoI/AAAAAAAACCI/Gd2OeLn-QIE/s1600/IMG_7135.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race smiles</td></tr></tbody></table>The weather was gorgeous with deep blue skies, bright sunshine and crisp cool temps. &nbsp;It was a perfect day to race. &nbsp;Ironically, none of us raced well. Every time I run a half marathon I have a renewed respect for the distance - it's a long way to run fast without the wheels falling off the bus.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqKdyw_k-CA/UvVpIfomJuI/AAAAAAAACCQ/mcO7i0ScqNI/s1600/IMG_7128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqKdyw_k-CA/UvVpIfomJuI/AAAAAAAACCQ/mcO7i0ScqNI/s1600/IMG_7128.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devon and I trying to intimidate the competition. &nbsp;Too bad the girl behind us beat us.</td></tr></tbody></table>There were several small factors that led to me feeling discombobulated when I was racing.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />1. &nbsp;<b>Fueling</b> - The race started at 9:30. &nbsp;I ate breakfast at 6:30 so by the time I reached the starting line I was already hungry. &nbsp;I had to eat at mile four and then again at mile ten. &nbsp;This is not something I do when I'm training and it really threw me off mentally, not to mention slowed my time on those two miles. <br /><br />2. &nbsp;<b>Race Attire</b> - All three of us overdressed. &nbsp;The temperature was in the high 30's but the sunshine made it feel much warmer. &nbsp;The majority of the course was fully exposed and I shed my hat within the first mile. &nbsp;Gloves came off at mile six. &nbsp;I wanted to take my outer layer off but my bib was pinned to the front per the pre-race instructions from the race director. &nbsp;Since the event wasn't chip timed, our bib number had to be clearly visible, eliminating an easy layer shed. &nbsp;BOO!<br /><br />3. &nbsp;<b>Mental Chaos</b> - Having a race strategy is a great idea but implementing it was tough. &nbsp;My mind was a cacophony of random thoughts ping ponging around in my brain. &nbsp;I was so set on running negative splits that I found myself thinking about my pace way too much and checked my watch more frequently than I usually do. &nbsp;This resulted in a lot of variety in my pace: speed up, slow down. &nbsp;Repeat. &nbsp;It was hard to pray, focus on my music, or enjoy the scenery around me. &nbsp;I never found a good space mentally the entire 13.1 miles. <br /><br />4. &nbsp;<b>Competitive Guy</b> - At mile five I started gaining on a guy who did not want to be passed even though he was slowing down. &nbsp;For the next two miles he kept speeding up and blocking the road so I wouldn't pass, then slowing down dramatically. &nbsp;His erratic pace ultimately slowed me down for those two miles and prevented me from settling into a consistent pace. &nbsp;Devon reported that he did this to her too. <br /><br />5. &nbsp;<b>Not Quitting Mentally</b> - I knew within the first mile or two that getting a PR (1:36) would be next to impossible, but I still thought I could hit my training goal of 1:38. &nbsp;In the end it was not my day to break any records. &nbsp;My legs felt sluggish and heavy and my breathing more labored than it should have been. &nbsp;On every level this run felt hard - the antithesis of my previous three long runs. &nbsp;It was hard to not quit mentally deep into the race as my time goals slipped away.<br /><br />Mile Ten was the turning point for me. &nbsp;My watch beeped a 7:56 mile - almost thirty seconds off the pace - and the final nail in the coffin for a PR. &nbsp;I adjusted my goal from 1:36 to just staying under 1:40. &nbsp;I also spotted Devon in the distance and started gaining on her. &nbsp;I decided if I could catch up to her I'd propose that we throw pace out the window and finish the race together.<br /><br />By mile 11.5 Devon and I were running side by side, commiserating through our quick conversation bursts. &nbsp;We agreed to push hard to the end but to finish together. &nbsp;It was comforting for both of us to not be alone for the final miles of a race that challenged both our bodies and our mind. &nbsp;The last half mile was a slow climb before a short downhill to the finish. &nbsp;I think I would have slowed down if Devon wasn't there, huffing and puffing her way up the hill with me. &nbsp;Misery loves company right?<br /><br />The little downhill to the finish was perfect and we had a huge cheering section: my Mom and her husband Terry, my husband Curt and our four awesome kids, Carissa, Tanya, and some long-time friends of mine Johnny and Sherry (they used to hire me as a kid to work on their farm). &nbsp;When Devon and I came into sight our fans started cheering. &nbsp;We love an audience so we hammed it up. &nbsp;We grabbed hands, made exhausted faces and fist bumped the air as we ran across the finish together. &nbsp;It really was loads of fun to come into the finish like that. (The pictures of our shenanigans didn't turn out).<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPUv9rDRxio/UvVpahlGLpI/AAAAAAAACCY/s3x96x3IERo/s1600/IMG_7115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPUv9rDRxio/UvVpahlGLpI/AAAAAAAACCY/s3x96x3IERo/s1600/IMG_7115.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherry, my Mom, Me, Johnny and Terry - all these people are so dear to me!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQhg-4yqqXs/UvVpcjPh01I/AAAAAAAACCk/H6Knc1loaYM/s1600/IMG_7116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQhg-4yqqXs/UvVpcjPh01I/AAAAAAAACCk/H6Knc1loaYM/s1600/IMG_7116.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sole Sisters - Tanya, Carissa, Jodi, and Devon</td></tr></tbody></table>Devon and I tied for third place overall although they technically gave me the title and added a second to her time to give her fourth. &nbsp;We even got fancy ribbons at the award ceremony. &nbsp;This was my first top three overall placement at a half marathon.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NvPJvkCN2SI/UvVpcOA6bvI/AAAAAAAACCg/BiIB3Ae8BUE/s1600/IMG_7129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NvPJvkCN2SI/UvVpcOA6bvI/AAAAAAAACCg/BiIB3Ae8BUE/s1600/IMG_7129.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carissa got second place in her race, but she's still learning her numbers and wanted to be third like me.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJKJAPocg60/UvVp0YoistI/AAAAAAAACC0/C2d0dzewCs0/s1600/IMG_7119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJKJAPocg60/UvVp0YoistI/AAAAAAAACC0/C2d0dzewCs0/s1600/IMG_7119.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got ribbons</td></tr></tbody></table>It takes me a while to process a race. &nbsp;My Garmin recorded a distance of 13.09 miles and a time of 1:39:10, but my official race time was 1:39:22*. &nbsp;(I can't believe this, but this finish time is the EXACT finish time of the Wheatfield Half Marathon that I ran in The Dalles last spring. &nbsp;What are the odds of that happening?) &nbsp;It wasn't the time I trained for and initially I was disappointed in my performance. &nbsp;It was not easy to watch mile after mile clock in slower than I hoped. <br /><br />I've had a few days to think about it and I'm feeling much better about it now than I was earlier this week. &nbsp;<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Runners-World-Less-Faster-Revolutionary/dp/159486649X">Run Less Run Faster</a></i> (the book I based my training on) devotes an entire chapter to setting realistic goals. &nbsp;The authors point out that many a runner fails to celebrate a really great race because their goal wasn't realistic for their current fitness level. &nbsp;It begs the question, "Was my goal realistic?" &nbsp;Even if it was, I didn't miss it by that much. &nbsp;I realized I was focusing on what didn't happen and not what DID.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_N7qibsq9E/UvVpzL3umiI/AAAAAAAACCw/NPcPC6Du8Sg/s1600/IMG_1723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_N7qibsq9E/UvVpzL3umiI/AAAAAAAACCw/NPcPC6Du8Sg/s1600/IMG_1723.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The post-race is always such a relief</td></tr></tbody></table>I am really proud of the fact that I didn't quit on this race and chose to run hard all the way through, even when my speed was waning. &nbsp;I'm proud to have finished so well in the standings, even though it was a small race. &nbsp;<b>But most of all, I'm so glad that</b> <b>friendship trumped the watch</b>. &nbsp;I wouldn't trade a PR and a perfect race for the time Devon and I shared together on the course. &nbsp;It was a beautiful way to cement a new but already deep friendship.<br /><br />Here's the cliff notes version of my race via my splits:<br /><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>156</o:Words> <o:Characters>893</o:Characters> <o:Company>OHSU</o:Company> <o:Lines>7</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>1096</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} table.MsoTableGrid {mso-style-name:"Table Grid"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; border:solid black; mso-border-themecolor:text1; border:1.0pt; mso-border-alt:solid black; mso-border-themecolor:text1; mso-border-alt:.5pt; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-border-insideh:.5pt solid black; mso-border-insideh-themecolor:text1; mso-border-insidev:.5pt solid black; mso-border-insidev-themecolor:text1; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment--><br /><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-insideh-themecolor: text1; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid black; mso-border-insidev-themecolor: text1; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 191;"> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td style="border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mile 1: 7:19</b> (Too fast, but there was some downhill.)<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mile 8: 7:28</b> (Two in a row – yippee!)<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mile 2: 7:17</b> (Still too fast.)<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mile 9: 7:33</b> (Uh oh! Same effort but a slower mile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Not a good sign.)<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mile 3: 7:22</b> (Short, but somewhat steep hill to climb, too hot, but finally the right pace.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mile 10: 7:56</b> (Nail in the coffin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Eating for a second time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Readjusted goal to stay under 1:40).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mile 4: 7:31</b> (Too slow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>First time eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Passed two girls and moved myself closer to the front of the pack.)<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mile 11: 7:42</b> (Caught up to Devon and got a little energy burst.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mile 5: 7:30</b> (Came upon Erratic Speed Guy who wouldn’t let me pass – too slow.)<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mile 12: 7:55</b> (Threw a little party that we stayed in the seven minute mile range.)<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mile 6: 7:36</b> (Competitive Guy keeping me slow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Saw my family cheering on the side of the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>How I love them!)<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mile 13: 7:57</b> (Pretty covered bridge that we ran through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Darn uphill climb too close to the finish.)<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mile 7: 7:26</b> (FINALLY found the pace I was shooting for.)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mile .1</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">– 6:17</b> (Blessed downhill to the finish and my family).<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Sole Sisters will you tell us about a race that didn't go the way you expected? &nbsp;What did you do to stay mentally engaged?</b>Jodi Stilphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04329375455810397582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-32960693774935140602014-02-04T11:55:00.001-08:002014-02-07T19:12:30.585-08:00Fast and Furious comes to a Stop<div style="text-align: justify;">By Carissa</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I embarked upon a bit of an adventure several weeks ago when I decided to train for a 10k. &nbsp;My first move was to pick a Hal Higdon training plan. &nbsp;Hal’s plans are familiar to me. &nbsp;I trust the process. &nbsp;I know the workouts and I feel challenged by them. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The first workout made me cringe. &nbsp;I was to run five miles with three at 10k pace. &nbsp;For training purposes I picked 6:40 min/mile as my pace. &nbsp;I can’t think of a time outside of racing that I’ve ever tried to maintain that fast of a pace for consecutive miles. &nbsp;To my surprise the run went great. &nbsp;I was working for it but I could maintain my pace. &nbsp;That was good because I would be running fast and furious a lot. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A typical week for <a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51124/10K-Advanced-Training-Program" target="_blank">Hal Higdon’s Advanced 10K</a> plan included 400s at the track, a tempo run, a pace run and a “long” run (between 6 and 10 miles) with the last 25% at race pace. &nbsp;My watch was hitting 6:XX regularly. &nbsp;I enjoyed that my runs were shorter and yet I still felt like I was getting a great workout. &nbsp;I felt strong and I was getting faster. &nbsp;One week when the plan called for a 5K tune up race I simulated my own 5K and raced a PR by a few seconds. &nbsp;It made me excited for my target race and a potential new 10K PR.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Right around the time I was getting anxious about my final big week of training my stomach started feeling off. &nbsp;Nausea and fatigue made me skip my Saturday workout. &nbsp;I was feeling decent on Sunday so I cycled and lifted light weights. &nbsp;On Monday I had a hard time stomaching my breakfast but I met <a href="http://devonintraining.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Devon</a> at the track anyway for my 12x400 workout. &nbsp;My first 400 was not only hard but it was also 5 seconds slower than my typical pace. &nbsp;The body knows! &nbsp;I was slower and more fatigued because I was sick. &nbsp;I tried to muscle through the workout as each repeat made me more nauseous. &nbsp;By my sixth 400 I called it a day. &nbsp;And this is the part of my story where my fast and furious running came to a stop. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The rest of the week I was down and I wasn’t the only one in my family suffering from a tenacious bug. &nbsp;The following Monday I could start reintroducing regular foods to my diet. &nbsp;By Wednesday of race week I felt my body could handle a workout. &nbsp;Of course, in typical set-the-bar-high fashion my first workout back was 6x400. &nbsp;I had to do it on the treadmill which didn’t give me a good sense for how my legs were feeling but the nausea that I thought was behind me came back. &nbsp;I ran an easy 4 miles on Thursday and rested Friday. &nbsp;My race was Saturday. &nbsp;What could I do but give it my best and see what happened?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I woke up bright and early on Saturday morning. &nbsp;My throat was just a tad sore and I had a kink in my neck. &nbsp;As far as I was concerned, I was feeling decent. &nbsp;I didn’t know what my extended time off was going to do for my speed but I was ready to try my best. &nbsp;Tanya, Jodi, Devon and I squeezed into my car and we headed to Scio, Oregon, for the <a href="http://highschool.lebanon.k12.or.us/bradbauer/economics/Running%20club/roaring%20river/roaring%2520river%252010k.html" target="_blank">Roaring Run at Roaring River</a>. &nbsp;The weather was dry and sunny. &nbsp;Whether we raced fast or slow we knew that ultimately the day was about hanging out together.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uEFF5Xff28o/UvB2A9Wi0RI/AAAAAAAAAp0/Gb4MM1cZ85s/s1600/IMG_3479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uEFF5Xff28o/UvB2A9Wi0RI/AAAAAAAAAp0/Gb4MM1cZ85s/s1600/IMG_3479.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre race photo. &nbsp;What could go wrong on such a beautiful day?</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Jodi and Devon started at 9:30. &nbsp;My race began at 10. &nbsp;I did a two mile warm up and lined up ready to race. &nbsp;In the first mile a woman in blue shorts pulled ahead of me. &nbsp;She was running a pretty good pace according to my watch. &nbsp;The first mile registered 6:29 (there was some down hill in this mile.) &nbsp;In my head I did not expect to keep up with her nor did I expect to maintain my pace. &nbsp;I wanted to run around 6:40 then pick up speed as the miles went on. &nbsp;*Assuming I was feeling good.* <br /><br />My second mile was 6:44. &nbsp;I was working a lot harder than my first mile and I could tell I was in trouble. &nbsp;Weeks ago, when I STARTED training I ran three miles at 6:35, 6:35 and 6:30. &nbsp;Mile TWO should not have been tough. <br /><br />Mile three was even slower. &nbsp;The funny thing was I was still holding on to the gap between myself and the lady in blue. &nbsp;Around the half way mark I started feeling not only fatigued but dizzy. &nbsp;I knew the race was going to be a disaster. &nbsp;I knew I didn’t feel good but I just couldn’t imagine needing to walk over the course of a 10K! <br /><br />The longer I ran the slower I got and the more dizzy I felt. &nbsp;I gave myself permission to slow down so that my head would feel better. &nbsp;Somehow the woman in blue stayed in my sights as my pace slipped to 6:52 at mile three, 7:03 for mile four, 7:19 at mile five, and 7:33 for mile six. &nbsp;With .2 to go the course dropped down a bit and the finish line was in sight. &nbsp;The lady in blue was still in front of me. <br /><br />A number one finish had been just out of my reach the whole race and yet even then I was very dizzy and my legs didn't dare speed up. &nbsp;I finally found my last big push in the last 100m. &nbsp;I finished in 43:13, just 12 seconds behind the first place runner. &nbsp;That’s a little frustrating and yet the lady in the blue shorts was really a blessing. &nbsp;She pulled me along over the course of that miserable race and she kept me fighting.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9HVWjvLihw/UvB2Kh5I16I/AAAAAAAAAp8/oxcWjFbysts/s1600/IMG_3478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9HVWjvLihw/UvB2Kh5I16I/AAAAAAAAAp8/oxcWjFbysts/s1600/IMG_3478.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tanya cheered us on. &nbsp;Such an encouraging Sole Sister!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">The biggest lesson I am taking away from this race is that there is more going on inside my body than how I feel on the outside. &nbsp;I thought I wasn’t sick anymore but running brought out clues to the real condition of my health. &nbsp;I’m also finding that I like shorter distances. &nbsp;I used to abhor the thought of running a 5 or 10K. &nbsp;Now that I’m getting experience training for speed I can enjoy running fast and furious. &nbsp;Though I don’t have any future races planned at the moment I hope it won’t be long before I can redeem my 10K training and chase down a new PR. &nbsp;</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-couw-Q4GmCM/UvB3YNynCxI/AAAAAAAAAqM/aSYPYOijGAw/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-couw-Q4GmCM/UvB3YNynCxI/AAAAAAAAAqM/aSYPYOijGAw/s1600/Image.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our races didn't go very well but we got to bring home ribbons!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b>How about you Sole Sisters? &nbsp;Have you ever raced sick? &nbsp;Has it ever taken a run to clue you into the fact that you were sick?</b><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Carissa @ Sole Sisters Runninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809725240498822356noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7609922816774700750.post-3531735060135515602014-01-29T05:53:00.000-08:002014-01-29T05:54:31.215-08:00My Toolbox is Full; It's Time to BuildBy Tanya<br /><br />As you may remember my 2012 was filled with running injuries galore, the worst of which was a painful locking&nbsp;up&nbsp;of my back&nbsp;that would take days, sometimes weeks, to relieve. <b>&nbsp;In 2013 I decided to hang up my running shoes and&nbsp;fill up&nbsp;my toolbox.</b>&nbsp;This meant taking a year off from my usual 10k race series as well as any other additional races I like to throw in and spend the year collecting tools&nbsp;to build strength and balance in the areas that seemed to be causing my problems. For me this meant spending two months with a personal trainer,&nbsp;ten months of cross training, and a year of learning to listen to my body.<br /><br />In the beginning when I started&nbsp;working with the <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2013/03/my-fitness-pals-taking-all-help-i-can.html" target="_blank">personal trainer</a> I was not allowed to do much in the way of aerobic&nbsp;exercise. &nbsp;To help me from packing on the pounds and to see if any thing I was eating was causing pain from inflammation, I decided to go on an elimination diet. I&nbsp;started by only eating fruits and veggies and then added in different types of foods one by one for a six weeks. Though my pain and inflammation did not go away, I did learn how much better my body feels when on a clean, whole foods diet. <br /><br />During this time I also became better aware of how many of my activities of daily life created an unequal imbalance in my posture. This&nbsp;led to&nbsp;changes in&nbsp;how I sit, stand, sleep and bend.<br />When the time came for me to add in more exercise, I started swimming more and rekindled my forgotten love of dance through <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2013/08/zumba-dancing-is-workout.html" target="_blank">Zumba</a>.&nbsp;Dancing really helped me to loosen up my back and after a couple of months I stopped having painful back lockups. <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I started feeling better around the time that Carissa and Jodi started formulating their plan to compete in an <a href="http://solesistersrunning.blogspot.com/2013/09/my-first-but-not-my-last-series-33.html" target="_blank">Olympic triathlon</a>. I was inspired&nbsp;watching&nbsp;my Sole Sisters train and I enjoyed&nbsp;seeing their progress. I&nbsp;even had&nbsp;the pleasure of joining Carissa in the pool and on a bike ride through the beautiful Oregon&nbsp;countryside.&nbsp;During this&nbsp;time I&nbsp;started&nbsp;testing out a bit of&nbsp;running.&nbsp;Though the&nbsp;ongoing tightness and pain in my hips continued to plague me, I found that through a combination of proper stretching, rolling and regular massage, I&nbsp;was able to keep the pain at bay. <br /><br />As much as I would have loved to compete alongside my Sole Sisters in the triathlon, I knew I was not ready. &nbsp;Instead,&nbsp;I had a wonderful experience being with Carissa and Jodi&nbsp;on their&nbsp;race day to support, cheer and videotape their amazing journey&nbsp;as triathletes.&nbsp;Some of my personal highlights from that event were pushing past my fear of swimming in open water on a practice swim through the lake with Carissa and tag-teaming on race day with&nbsp;Jodi's family to encourage the&nbsp;girls through&nbsp;some tough portions of the&nbsp;swim. &nbsp;I was also able to run the 10k course by myself and take pictures while Carissa and Jodi were on the biking portion of the event. <br /><br />My run that day gave me confidence to add&nbsp;in more slow and steady running into my workout routine. The&nbsp;year&nbsp;moved along&nbsp;and I continued to feel better. &nbsp;So much better that when a really good deal come up to run the Whidbey Island half marathon&nbsp;scheduled for April of 2014 I took the leap of faith and signed up.<br /><br /><b>2014 is finally here and I am&nbsp;ready and excited&nbsp;to open my toolbox and build a new running story for myself. </b>Like Carissa and Jodi, I too plan to take 2014 one goal at a time and see where the road takes me. For now I am on my way to Whidbey. &nbsp;But first I need to make a stop in Scio to cheer on my girls! <br /><br /><b>Happy 2014 Sole Sisters! May this year bring you new exciting roads to travel and great friends to join you on along the way.</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J1Zu5Lee4gU/UtYiCO7nH_I/AAAAAAAAAKk/CC5_XhdOOgk/s1600/IMG_0998.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J1Zu5Lee4gU/UtYiCO7nH_I/AAAAAAAAAKk/CC5_XhdOOgk/s320/IMG_0998.jpeg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OjkIT2UB-00/UtYilo1ft7I/AAAAAAAAAK0/GLURijKzl1o/s1600/IMAG0915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OjkIT2UB-00/UtYilo1ft7I/AAAAAAAAAK0/GLURijKzl1o/s400/IMAG0915.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIJxMEqtTPk/UtYiSj4_LKI/AAAAAAAAAKs/O1U1ZdFp4pY/s1600/IMG955415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIJxMEqtTPk/UtYiSj4_LKI/AAAAAAAAAKs/O1U1ZdFp4pY/s320/IMG955415.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b></b><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Tanya Corkumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05127178808503246347noreply@blogger.com5